Netanyahu Calls UK 'Islamic Republic of Britain' in Podcast
FlatRigor 5211 sources
The Story
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the United Kingdom as the "Islamic Republic of Britain" during an Israeli Army Radio podcast on Friday. He also joked that Britain could become the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons, echoing a 2024 remark by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. Netanyahu criticized British media coverage of Israel, comparing it to reporting during the 1967 Six-Day War. The British Foreign Office called the comments completely unacceptable and stated the issue had been raised with the Israeli government. Relations between London and Israel have strained since the UK formally recognized the State of Palestine in September 2025, a move rejected by Netanyahu's government. The exchange follows new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham's statements that Labour didn't get it right on Gaza and that Britain needed to exert greater pressure on Israel through sanctions and trade measures. Despite this, Britain has maintained military-export ties with Israel, though it suspended some arms licenses in 2024. London also provided military support during this year's conflict with Iran, deploying aircraft to intercept Iranian attacks and authorizing U.S. forces to use British bases.
The Spread
Flat
What they agree on
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the UK as the 'Islamic Republic of Britain'.
- Netanyahu made the remarks during an army radio podcast.
- The British government called the comments 'completely unacceptable'.
- The British government stated the issue had been raised with the Israeli government.
Where they split
- Some outlets, such as The Canary, frame Netanyahu's remarks as an 'Islamophobic rant'.
- Coverage varies in the extent to which it details the background of UK-Israel relations, including the UK's recognition of Palestine and Prime Minister Burnham's stance on Gaza.
- Some sources, like GB News and The National Pulse, use more provocative verbs such as 'mocks' and 'brands' in their headlines.
- The National Pulse and The Canary include references to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and his prior remarks.
Source Perspectives
Left2 sources