# UK slams Netanyahu for calling it an ‘Islamic republic’

2026-08-15T00:06:38+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Britain has condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for calling the UK an 'Islamic republic' and suggesting it could become the 'first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons'. The remarks were made in an Israel Army Radio podcast interview, where Netanyahu contrasted support Israel received decades ago from Winston Churchill's son with what he called the situation in Britain today. A UK government spokesman said the comments were 'completely unacceptable' and that London had raised the matter with Israel. Netanyahu also pushed back against a US-backed Gaza ceasefire plan, insisting Israel would not withdraw until Hamas was completely disarmed. The diplomatic row comes amid strained ties following UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's criticism of Israel's Gaza offensive and his move to consider banning trade from Israeli settlements.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/first-islamic-republic-with-nuclear-weapons-netanyahus-sharp-rebuke-of-uk/articleshow/133251347.cms>
- deccanchronicle.com <https://www.deccanchronicle.com/world/uk-criticises-netanyahu-over-islamic-republic-of-britain-comment-1979314>
- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/world/uk-slams-netanyahus-islamic-republic-of-britain-remark-as-unacceptable-article-155642430>

Tags: Army Radio, Benjamin Netanyahu, Gaza, Hamas, Trump administration, United Kingdom
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