Updated

The British government publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on August 15 over a comment describing the United Kingdom as heading toward becoming an "Islamic republic," calling the remark "completely unacceptable." London said it had raised the matter directly with Jerusalem through diplomatic channels. An Israeli spokesman downplayed the comment, saying the prime minister had been quoting US Vice President JD Vance rather than expressing his own characterization. The exchange marks a further point of friction between the UK and Israel, though it does not directly involve Iran's government or nuclear file.