Netanyahu’s ‘Islamic republic’ remarks spark diplomatic row with UK

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has drawn international criticism after describing the United Kingdom as the “Islamic republic of Britain” and claiming it would be the first such state to possess nuclear weapons. The comments were made during a podcast interview for Israel’s army radio, where Netanyahu contrasted historical media coverage of Israel with what he characterised as the current political climate in London.

During the broadcast, Netanyahu praised journalist Randolph Churchill, son of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, for his positive reporting on Israel over half a century ago. He then questioned whether such coverage could be found in “today’s Britain, in what is called the Islamic republic of Britain.” When the podcast host asked if Europe as a whole shared this trajectory, Netanyahu doubled down, stating, “Yes, but you know someone said the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons will be the Islamic republic of Britain.”

The remarks have been widely interpreted as aligning with far-right Islamophobic tropes regarding Britain’s Muslim population. This narrative echoes similar rhetoric previously employed by US Vice-President JD Vance during the 2024 presidential campaign, who suggested the UK could become the first “truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon.” London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also been a frequent target of such racialised attacks from right-wing figures abroad.

Israeli political rival Avi Dabush, who is running for the Knesset with the opposition Democrats party, condemned the Prime Minister’s comments on social media. Dabush labelled the remarks a “horrific diplomatic failure,” arguing that they highlighted an inability to rally international support for Israel at a time of unprecedented global isolation. He stated, “That’s what happens when there’s a horrific diplomatic failure, and an inability to rally countries in the world in favour of our interests.”

Relations between the UK and Israel have deteriorated significantly since Andy Burnham assumed the role of Prime Minister. Prior to taking office, Burnham apologised for the Labour Party’s initial response to Israel’s military action in Gaza, acknowledging the party “didn’t get it right.” In July, he signalled a tougher stance, indicating plans to increase pressure on the Israeli government through sanctions on individuals and entities, as well as a potential ban on trade with illegal settlements.

Netanyahu leads what is described as the most far-right government in Israel’s history, a administration that has reportedly alienated traditional allies while aligning with far-right figures. The Prime Minister’s Office did not respond to requests for comment regarding whether the statement represented the official position of the Israeli government. Similarly, the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office did not immediately respond to inquiries.

The claim that the UK is an Islamic republic contradicts established facts, particularly regarding nuclear capabilities. Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, has possessed a nuclear arsenal since the 1990s. Meanwhile, Muslim leaders in the UK have reported that hate crimes targeting their community are reaching new levels, coinciding with a rise in far-right rhetoric and growing support for anti-immigrant political parties.