Bibi calls UK ‘Islamic republic of Britain’

Israeli political rival Avi Dabush accused Netanyahu of a “horrific diplomatic failure” for attacking a key international ally amid Israel’s growing global isolation.

Jerusalem: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has described the UK as the “Islamic republic of Britain” and suggested it could become the “first Islamic republic” to possess nuclear weapons, the Guardian reported. In an interview with Israel’s army radio, Netanyahu praised journalist Randolph Churchill’s coverage of Israel more than half a century ago before saying: “Go find that in today’s Britain, in what is called the Islamic republic of Britain.”

Asked whether the criticism applied more broadly to Europe, Netanyahu said: “Yes, but you know someone said the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons will be the Islamic republic of Britain.”

Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, has possessed nuclear weapons since the 1990s.

Netanyahu’s comments drew criticism from Israeli political rival Avi Dabush of the opposition Democrats party, who accused him of attacking an important ally amid Israel’s growing international isolation.

Relations between Israel and the UK have become increasingly strained, with Britain stepping up pressure on the Israeli government over its actions in Gaza and illegal settlements.