Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu described Britain as the ‘Islamic Republic of Britain’ and mentioned nuclear weapons. Tension has increased in the relations between the two countries amid the Gaza war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made very sharp remarks about Britain. He even called Britain the ‘Islamic Republic of Britain’ and said that it could become ‘the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons’. Netanyahu said these things in a podcast interview given for Israel’s Army Radio.
Expressed displeasure over Britain’s attitude
In the podcast, Netanyahu was talking about the change in Britain’s attitude towards Israel. Referring to journalist Randolph Churchill, son of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, he said Israel received positive coverage in Britain more than five decades ago.
After this he raised questions on the condition of today’s Britain and said, “Find it in today’s Britain, which is called the Islamic Republic of Britain.” When the host of the program asked whether Netanyahu was treating Britain unfairly by targeting it separately and whether the whole of Europe was not like this, Netanyahu made his point more clear. He said yes, but someone said that ‘the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons will be the Islamic Republic of Britain.’
Tension in relations between Britain and Israel over Gaza war
Netanyahu’s comment has come at a time when tensions have increased in relations between Britain and Israel over the Gaza war. Andy Burnham apologized shortly before becoming Prime Minister for the Labor Party’s initial response to Israel’s military operation in Gaza. He had said that the initial stance of the party was not right and it would have to improve under his leadership.
Disagreement on US plan to end Gaza war
Netanyahu also opposed a US-backed plan to end the Gaza war. This indicated differences of opinion between Washington and Israel on this issue. He said that Israel will not retreat from its current position in Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed.
Under the proposed agreement, Hamas was to begin the process of giving up its arms, while Israel was asked to stop attacks and withdraw from about 60 percent of the territory under its control.
Netanyahu said in a video posted on social media that the Trump administration had sent a draft to Israel. Israel did not agree with this and has sent its comments. He described this as Israel’s position. Netanyahu also said that the Israeli army will continue to do whatever is necessary to protect itself, its territory and its citizens.
Bodies of more than 100 people killed in Gaza recovered
Amidst Netanyahu’s comments, a large mass funeral was held in the Sabra area of Gaza City. Here, bodies of more than 100 people were recovered from the debris of a residential block destroyed in the Israeli attack in November 2023. During the fragile ceasefire, rescue workers pulled out the bodies of 112 people from the debris. 40 children were also included in these. According to Gaza Civil Defense, bodies of 157 people are still missing from this place.
