UNITED KINGDOM — Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu called the United Kingdom "the Islamic republic of Britain" in a podcast interview. He described the nation as "the first Islamic republic to get a nuclear weapon".

The remarks were made in a podcast interview for Melech Blitzer Haim on Israel’s army radio. The podcast host asked Netanyahu: "Isn’t all of Europe is like that?"

Netanyahu replied: "Yes, but you know someone said the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons will be the Islamic republic of Britain." He stated: "Go find that in today’s Britain, in what is called the Islamic republic of Britain." Netanyahu also stated: "We are making sure there won’t be another one here, in Iran."

Avi Dabush, a Knesset candidate, addressed the situation in a social media post. Dabush 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."

Vice President of the United States JD Vance expressed similar views regarding the United Kingdom during the 2024 presidential campaign. Vance stated that the UK could become the first "truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon".

Andy Burnham, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since 2026 and Leader of the Labour Party, has previously addressed relations with Israel. In July, Burnham said he would "do more to put pressure on the Israeli government", including through further sanctions and a potential ban on trade with illegal settlements. Burnham apologised for the Labour Party’s initial response to Israel’s military action in Gaza. He stated the Labour Party "didn’t get it right" and needed to "do better" under his leadership.

What's New

Additional reporting includes statements from Netanyahu regarding Iran. He stated: "We are making sure there won’t be another one here, in Iran." Responses from Jewish leaders in the UK were also showed. Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Lev stated: "Prime Minister Netanyahu does not speak for British Jews. His words do not represent us."

Contextual details note that the United Kingdom has its capital in London and is located in Europe and Central Asia. It is classified by the World Bank as a high income economy. Andy Burnham is Leader of the Labour Party in the United Kingdom and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since 2026. PureSource News previously reported that California Representative Khanna Says Israeli Settlers Detained Him in West Bank. PureSource News previously reported that Netanyahu Considers Reserving Multiple Positions on Likud List.

Why It Matters

The characterization of the United Kingdom by a foreign head of state intersects with ongoing diplomatic tensions. Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu’s description of the UK as an "Islamic republic" contrasts with its official status. The comments echo sentiments expressed by US Vice President JD Vance during the 2024 presidential campaign.

British Jewish leaders have explicitly distanced themselves from Netanyahu’s remarks, stating they do not represent their community. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has previously indicated intentions to increase pressure on the Israeli government through sanctions and trade restrictions. The incident occurs against a backdrop of diplomatic friction, with Avi Dabush citing an inability to rally global support for Israeli interests.