**Netanyahu Criticizes UK, Calls it the "Islamic Republic of Britain"**
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked controversy with remarks made during a podcast on Israeli Army Radio, where he referred to the United Kingdom as the “Islamic Republic of Britain.” This statement comes as the newly elected Labor government in the UK considers potential measures against Israel, raising tensions between the two nations.
During the podcast, Netanyahu criticized the British media's portrayal of Israel, likening it to coverage from the 1967 Six-Day War. He expressed concern over the current media landscape in Britain, suggesting that it reflects a significant shift in public sentiment and political discourse regarding Israel. “Go find that in Britain today, which you could call the Islamic Republic of Britain,” he stated, drawing parallels to a quip made by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who had previously joked about Britain potentially becoming the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons.
The UK’s Foreign Office responded to Netanyahu’s comments, labeling them as “completely unacceptable” and indicating that the matter had been raised with the Israeli government. This exchange underscores the deteriorating relations between London and Jerusalem, particularly following the UK’s formal recognition of the State of Palestine in September 2025—a move that was firmly rejected by Netanyahu’s administration.
The remarks come in the wake of Andy Burnham's recent appointment as Prime Minister. Prior to taking office, Burnham acknowledged that the Labour Party had “not gotten it right” regarding its stance on Gaza and emphasized the need for the UK to exert more pressure on Israel, including the possibility of sanctions and trade restrictions targeting Israeli settlements. Despite these political shifts, the UK has maintained military-export ties with Israel. In 2024, the UK suspended some arms licenses due to concerns over potential violations of international humanitarian law; however, components supplied through the multinational F-35 program were exempted from this suspension.
The UK has also provided military support during recent conflicts, including operations against Iran. British forces have been involved in intercepting Iranian attacks and have allowed U.S. forces to utilize British bases for operations targeting Iranian missile sites. Additionally, security cooperation between the UK and Israel has included intelligence sharing and surveillance flights over Gaza.
Netanyahu's comments have not only raised eyebrows in the UK but have also been met with growing frustration in the United States. Reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump has refrained from endorsing Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s upcoming elections, despite repeated inquiries. Earlier this month, Netanyahu rejected a 15-point Gaza plan proposed by Trump, insisting that Israeli forces would remain until Hamas was completely disarmed.
As the political landscape continues to evolve in both the UK and Israel, the implications of Netanyahu’s remarks and the subsequent responses from British officials could further strain diplomatic relations between the two nations.