Netanyahu Sparks Outrage by Calling UK 'Islamic Republic' in Podcast Interview

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked controversy after referring to the United Kingdom as the "Islamic Republic of Britain" during an interview on the Galei Tzahal (Galatz) podcast on August 14, 2026. Netanyahu criticized the UK government, contrasting it with the positive coverage his father, the son of Churchill, received during the Six-Day War. He added, "Someone said the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons will be the Islamic Republic of Britain."

The remarks drew sharp criticism internationally, including from British journalist Piers Morgan, who called Netanyahu an "idiot" on his X (formerly Twitter) account. Jewish communities in the UK, particularly Reform Jewish groups, also condemned the comments. The Movement for Progressive Judaism in Britain stated that Netanyahu "does not represent British Jews" and expressed being "shocked" by his rhetoric. They criticized his divisive language amid rising concerns about antisemitism, Islamophobia, and social polarization in the UK.

The backlash highlights tensions between Netanyahu's political rhetoric and the perspectives of Jewish communities abroad. The incident may further strain relations between Israel and the UK, as well as within the global Jewish diaspora. No official response from the UK government was reported at the time of publication.