Netanyahu draws UK backlash after remarks on Britain and Islam
Benjamin Netanyahu sparked criticism after describing Britain in inflammatory terms during an interview, deepening strain with the UK government.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has prompted criticism in Britain after using anti-Muslim language to describe the UK during an interview aired on Friday. The comments came as relations between his government and the Labour administration in London showed signs of strain.
According to reports from Al Jazeera and The Guardian, Netanyahu referred to Britain as “the Islamic Republic of Britain” and also said it was the first Islamic republic to obtain a nuclear weapon. The remarks were made in a conversation for Israel’s army radio.
The Guardian said the language echoed a far-right trope about Britain’s Muslim population. The comments were also condemned by a political rival in Israel, who accused Netanyahu of attacking an ally and causing a serious diplomatic failure.
The episode adds to tensions between Israel and the UK, which have been growing alongside wider disputes over the Labour government’s approach to the conflict in Gaza.
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