Netanyahu Labels UK as 'Islamic Republic of Britain' Amid Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has referred to the United Kingdom as the 'Islamic Republic of Britain', a comment seen as a pointed critique of one of Israel's long-standing European allies. This remark was made during a discussion on the Israeli podcast Melech Blitzer Haim, which aired on Thursday. Netanyahu's criticism followed his disapproval of how British media has portrayed Israel in recent months.

During the podcast, Netanyahu contrasted contemporary British perspectives with those of British writer Randolph Churchill, whom he praised for his favourable coverage of Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War. In a sarcastic tone, Netanyahu said, 'Go find that in Britain today, which you could call the Islamic Republic of Britain.' His comments were reported by various Israeli media outlets following translation.

The Israeli leader further referenced remarks made by JD Vance in 2022, suggesting that the UK could be the first nuclear-armed 'Islamist country'. 'Someone said the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons will be the Islamic Republic of Britain,' Netanyahu stated. He added, 'We are making sure there won’t be another one here, in Iran.'

Reactions to Netanyahu's remarks have been immediate and critical. A Jewish group representing communities across Britain and Ireland condemned the comments as inflammatory. Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Lev, co-leaders of the Movement for Progressive Judaism, stated, 'At a time when antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred and social division are causing real fear across our country, language of this kind is dangerous and irresponsible.', asserting that Netanyahu does not represent British Jews.

Former Downing Street chief of staff Gavin Barwell described the remarks as 'blatant Islamophobia'. In a post on X, he noted, 'Let’s hope everyone will now shed the pretence some still cling to that this man is any friend of Britain.'

Traditionally, relations between Israel and the UK have been strong; however, recent political developments have strained ties. The Labour Party, now in power in the UK, took significant actions that have affected diplomatic relations. Since 2024, the UK has paused free trade discussions with Israel and suspended several arms export licenses, aimed at addressing tensions arising from Israel's military actions in Gaza.

Additionally, the UK, alongside France, has imposed sanctions on certain far-right members of the Israeli government, including Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. In a related move, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham publicly acknowledged Labour's previous slow response to Israel's actions, pledging to increase pressure on the Israeli government for further accountability.

Rodwan Abouharb, an associate professor in international relations at University College London, analysed Netanyahu's statement, describing it as a 'new low' in relations between the UK and Israel. He suggests that such comments also reflect a greater alignment in policy aims regarding Iran. Nonetheless, he posits that Netanyahu's remarks could serve domestic political purposes, aimed at bolstering his coalition amidst internal challenges.