Netanyahu Claims UK Will Become First 'Islamic Republic' with Nuclear Weapons

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has referred to Britain as an ‘Islamic republic of England’ in a podcast interview. He also described the country as ‘the first Islamic republic to have nuclear weapons’. According to the Guardian, the comments, made in an interview with Israeli military radio, echoed Islamophobic narratives common among far-right groups regarding Britain’s small Muslim population. Netanyahu was praising positive coverage of Israel by journalist Randolph Churchill—son of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill—more than half a century ago. ‘Try finding that in Britain today, in what’s called the Islamic republic of England,’ he was quoted as saying on Friday. Rather than challenge Netanyahu’s remarks, the host questioned whether he was singling out Britain unfairly. ‘Isn’t all of Europe like that?’ Netanyahu responded by doubling down. ‘Yes, but you know, some say the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons is the Islamic republic of England.’ In this, Netanyahu was also mistaken. Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, has possessed a nuclear arsenal since the 1990s. Relations between Britain and Israel have become increasingly strained in recent months, particularly since Andy Burnham became prime minister. Shortly before taking office, he apologised for Labour’s initial response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Burnham acknowledged the party ‘did not take the right steps’ and needed to ‘do better’ under his leadership, signalling a significant shift in Britain’s approach to the Middle East. In July, he stated he would ‘work harder to pressure the Israeli government’, including through additional sanctions on individuals and entities, and a possible ban on trade in goods with illegal settlements. US Vice President JD Vance made similar remarks during the 2024 presidential campaign, suggesting Britain could become the ‘first truly Islamist country with nuclear weapons’. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also frequently been the target of racially charged attacks from right-wing leaders abroad—including Donald Trump—who seek political gain through Islamophobic falsehoods.