Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has referred to the United Kingdom as the “Islamic Republic of England,” a barb aimed at one of Israel’s closest European allies.
Speaking on the Israeli podcast Melech Blitzer Haim aired Thursday, Netanyahu criticized British media coverage of Israel. He cited British writer Randolph Churchill, whom he had previously praised for “positive” reporting on Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War, then added sarcastically: “Go find that in Britain today, which might be called the Islamic Republic of England.”
Later in the podcast, Netanyahu appeared to reference a 2022 remark by JD Vance that Britain could become the first Islamic country to acquire nuclear weapons.
“Someone said that the first Islamic republic to have nuclear weapons would be the Islamic Republic of England,” Netanyahu said. “We are ensuring that there will be no such country here, in Iran.”
A group of British and Irish Jews condemned the Israeli premier’s remarks as hostile and divisive.
“At a time when antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and social division are causing real fear across our country, this kind of language is dangerous and irresponsible,” said Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Lev, co-leaders of the Movement for Reform Judaism. “Prime Minister Netanyahu does not speak for British Jews. His words do not represent us.”
Despite traditionally strong ties, friction between the Israeli government and Britain has grown since Labour’s progressive wing took power in 2024. Under former Labour leader Keir Starmer, the UK paused free trade talks with Israel and suspended some arms export licenses.
Like France, Britain also imposed sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Last year, the UK, along with allies such as France and Canada, recognized a Palestinian state.
British politician Andy Burnham recently apologized for Labour's initial response to Israel's military actions in Gaza, admitting the party was too slow in calling for a ceasefire.
“That is why we need to do more, including considering additional sanctions against those involved in violence in Gaza and considering bans on trade in goods with illegal settlements,” Burnham said. “We must apply more pressure on the Israeli government.”
