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Netanyahu Brands Britain “Islamic Republic of Britain,” Sparks Outrage

8/14/2026

48 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the United Kingdom the “Islamic Republic of Britain” on a podcast.
Downing Street chief of staff Gavin Barwell called the comment Islamophobia, adding that rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Lev said it was hateful and not representative of Jews.
Professor Rodwan Abouharb said UK pause of talks and sanctions of ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich marks a low point in UK-Israel ties.

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Story summary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the United Kingdom the “Islamic Republic of Britain” on a podcast.
Downing Street chief of staff Gavin Barwell called the comment Islamophobia, adding that rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Lev said it was hateful and not representative of Jews.
Professor Rodwan Abouharb said UK pause of talks and sanctions of ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich marks a low point in UK-Israel ties.