Netanyahu calls UK "Islamic Republic of Britain" in podcast interview

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the United Kingdom as the “Islamic Republic of Britain” and called it the “first Islamic republic to get a nuclear weapon” during a podcast interview.

Netanyahu made the remarks during an interview with Israel’s army radio, referring to what he portrayed as growing political and social changes in Britain. His comments have been criticised as echoing an Islamophobic narrative about the country’s Muslim population, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

During the interview, Netanyahu praised coverage of Israel by journalist Randolph Churchill, the son of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, more than half a century ago. He then contrasted that period with Britain today.

“Go find that in today’s Britain, in what is called the Islamic republic of Britain,” Netanyahu said.

The interviewer did not challenge the characterisation but asked whether Netanyahu was unfairly singling out the UK, suggesting that similar trends could be seen across Europe.

“Isn’t all of Europe is like that?” the host asked.

Netanyahu responded by reiterating his criticism of Britain.

“Yes, but you know someone said the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons will be the Islamic republic of Britain.”

The comments come as relations between Britain and Israel have become increasingly strained in recent months, particularly since Andy Burnham became UK prime minister.

By Sabina Mammadli