以色列总理本雅明·内塔尼亚胡在以色列陆军电台播客采访中将英国描述为"伊斯兰共和国"，并声称英国是"首个拥有核武器的伊斯兰共和国"[1]。这些言论随即引发了关于伊斯兰恐惧症的争议。以色列反对党民主党议员阿维·达布什对此进行了批评，指责内塔尼亚胡在国际孤立时期嘲笑关键盟友[1]。
英国新任首相伯纳姆表示将"对以色列政府施加更多压力"，包括进一步制裁和可能禁止与非法定居点的贸易[1]。英国外交部未立即对内塔尼亚胡的言论作出回应[1]。美国副总统J·D·万斯曾在2024年总统竞选期间发表过类似言论[1]。
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the United Kingdom as an "Islamic republic" and claimed it is the "first Islamic republic to get a nuclear weapon" during an interview on Israeli Army Radio's podcast [1]. The remarks have drawn controversy over Islamophobic language [1].
The comments come amid heightened tension between Israel and the British government, as newly appointed British Prime Minister has signaled a tougher stance toward Israel, pledging to "apply more pressure on the Israeli government," including pursuing additional sanctions and potentially banning trade with illegal settlements [1]. Within Israel, Democratic Party opposition figure Avi Dabush criticized Netanyahu for mocking a key ally during a period of international isolation [1]. The UK Foreign Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Netanyahu's statement [1].