Netanyahu calls Britain first 'Islamic Republic' with nuclear weapons–Here's why

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked controversy after calling the UK “Islamic Republic of Britain” in a recent interview.

“You might call Britain the ‘Islamic Republic of Britain,’” Netanyahu said. He added that someone had described the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons as potentially being the “Islamic Republic of Britain.”

He, during the podcast, also drew a comparison between Iran and Britain having nuclear weapons.

Netanyahu also added that Israel is making sure there would be no other state like that, attributing Iran. He stated, “We’re making sure there won’t be another one—you know, in Iran.”

The remarks come as regional conflicts intensify and concerns over Iran's nuclear program ramp up. Netanyahu has consistently characterized a potential Iranian nuclear capability as a critical danger to international security and a direct menace to Israel's survival.

However, his remarks regarding calling the Britain first Islamic Republic with nuclear weapons created a storm of controversy over social media. Critics called the language inflammatory, noting Pakistan is the Islamic state with nuclear weapons.