Overview
- Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu used the phrase “the Islamic Republic of Britain” on the Melech Blitzer Haim Army Radio podcast on Thursday while criticising British media coverage of Israel.
- A UK government spokesperson called the comment “completely unacceptable” and said London had formally raised the matter with the Israeli government.
- Israeli spokesman David Mencer sought to downplay the row by saying Netanyahu was quoting someone else and referenced similar remarks made previously by US vice‑president J.D. Vance.
- British and Irish Jewish leaders publicly rejected the remark as divisive and dangerous, and former UK officials described it as blatant Islamophobia.
- The episode adds fresh strain to ties that have frayed since 2024 and could increase pressure for further UK measures on settlements or diplomatic steps if rhetoric and policy differences continue to escalate.