Now Reading: UK slams Netanyahu for calling it an ‘Islamic republic’
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UK slams Netanyahu for calling it an ‘Islamic republic’
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…
The Story in Brief
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.
The Indian Opinion
Netanyahu's 'Islamic republic of Britain' jibe is a reckless provocation that helps nobody. British readers will see it as a cheap slur on a country that has hosted Jewish refugees and stood with Israel through many wars. The real question is whether either leader can afford this spat. Burnham needs to show he can criticise Israel without breaking a vital Western alliance. Netanyahu needs Washington and London far more than he lets on. Watch whether Britain joins the US-led strikes on Iran, that silence will tell you everything.
Sources (3): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, deccanchronicle.com, timesnownews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
