Netanyahu calls UK the 'Islamic Republic of Britain' amid rising tensions with Labour government

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has drawn criticism after referring to the United Kingdom as the "Islamic Republic of Britain" in comments made on an Israeli podcast. The remark was made on Melech Blitzer Haim, which aired on Thursday, as he complained about British media coverage of Israel. He used the phrase while discussing what he described as more favourable reporting in the past and contrasted it with coverage in Britain today.

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According to translated comments published by Israeli media, Netanyahu said: "Go find that in Britain today, which you could call the Islamic Republic of Britain." He later appeared to echo a separate remark attributed to JD Vance in 2022, saying: "Someone said the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons will be the Islamic Republic of Britain." He added: "We are making sure there won't be another one here, in Iran." The comments were made against a backdrop of growing tension between Israel and the UK's Labour government. The reaction was swift from Jewish and political figures in Britain. The Movement for Progressive Judaism, led by Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Lev, said the language was "dangerous and irresponsible" at a time when antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred and social division are causing fear.

The group also said Netanyahu "does not speak for British Jews." Gavin Barwell, a former Downing Street chief of staff to Theresa May, described the remarks as "blatant Islamophobia" and said they undermined claims that Netanyahu is a friend of Britain. The episode matters because it comes as relations between Israel and the UK have become more strained since Labour came to power in 2024. Under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the UK paused free trade talks with Israel and suspended some arms export licences.

The UK has also imposed sanctions on far-right Israeli cabinet members Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, alongside France. Those steps have added pressure to a relationship that has historically been close but is now marked by public disagreement over the war and wider policy direction. Netanyahu's comments also sit within a broader debate over how Western governments and media discuss Israel, Gaza and Muslim communities.

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His reference to Britain as an "Islamic republic" was framed as a criticism of media coverage, but it quickly shifted into a wider political and communal issue. The response from British Jewish leaders suggests the language is being read not only as an attack on the UK government, but also as something that could inflame religious and social tensions. What remains unclear is whether the Israeli government will seek to clarify or defend the remarks, and whether the British government will respond formally.

It is also not yet clear whether the comments will affect the already strained diplomatic and trade relationship between the two countries. The immediate focus is likely to remain on the political fallout in Britain and on how Israeli officials frame the dispute in the coming days.

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