Netanyahu Spots A ‘Nuclear Islamic Republic’ In UK. His Gaffe May Invite Political Isolation

Israeli Prime Minister is making more enemies than he could probably afford.Benjamin Netanyahu's latest rants were aimed at Britain.

"The Islamic republic of Britain" the Israeli prime minister said in a podcast interview, stirring a row.

Netanyahu went on to also describe that the United Kingdom as the "first Islamic republic to get a nuclear weapon." Perhaps he forgot that Pakistan tested nuclear weapons way back in 1998.

The UK government reacted sharply to the comments by the top Israeli executive.

A UK government spokesperson labelled the remarks as "completely unacceptable" and said that the issue had been raised with the Israeli government.

Netanyahu's controversial comments were made during an army radio podcast interview.

The "first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons" comment was apparently a joke but more than the faux pas, the larger message did not go unnoticed.

In the course of the controversial interview, he also praised journalist Randolph Churchill, the son of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, for positive coverage of Israel during the Six-Day War of 1967.

The podcast host apparently played on by prodding him with another a remark: "Isn't all of Europe is like that?"

Netanyahu's reply added insult to injury, according to a report in the Guardian.

"Yes, but you know someone said the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons will be the Islamic republic of Britain."

Bilateral ties between the UK and Israel have been on a downswing recently, notably since Andy Burnham took over as the British Prime Minister in July. Ahead of assuming power, Burnham apologized for Labour's initial response to Israel's military action in Gaza. The British PM said then that the party "didn't get it right" and needed to "do better."

This has probably drawn the ire of Netanyahu, who is battling a downfall in approvals in various polls.

Netanyahu's far right administration likely interpreted the statement as a shift in the UK's approach to the Middle East conflict.

Burnham also indicated in July that he would "do more to put pressure on the Israeli government." His contention was that he would impose further sanctions on individuals and entities and consider a potential ban on the trade of goods with illegal settlements.

This is not the first time though that such a remark had been hurled on Britain by an international political figure.

While running for office, US Vice President J D Vance had said, UK could become the first "truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon."

Netanyahu's comments have also sparked outrage in Israel, with Avi Dabush, who is running for the Knesset with Israel's opposition Democrats party, slamming the prime minister for the controversial remarks.

He pointed out that such remarks against a key ally only helped to isolate the nation further as it comes amid international condemnation of Israeli action in Gaza.

There is also mounting backlash against the Israeli PM even within the MAGA base of close ally, US President Donald Trump, who has backed Netanyahu to the hilt despite reportedly snubbing the former privately on many occasions.