Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply responded to U.S. commentator Tucker Carlson, accusing him of siding with forces hostile to the United States.
Netanyahu’s comments followed Carlson’s criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and claims that the Israeli government is dragging Washington into conflicts that harm American interests.
In a televised interview, Netanyahu rejected those claims, saying: “Those who argue that Israel undermines America’s interests are, knowingly or unknowingly, defending the very forces that seek America’s destruction.”
The exchange reflects widening tensions between Israeli leadership and parts of the American conservative media, particularly as U.S. policy in the Middle East continues to divide opinion.
Carlson’s Foreign Policy Stance
Tucker Carlson, a former Fox News anchor and one of America’s most influential conservative voices, has long advocated for a less interventionist U.S. foreign policy. He has repeatedly argued that Washington should prioritize domestic challenges over costly overseas commitments.
Carlson has criticized U.S. involvement in Ukraine, military aid to Israel, and broader Middle East engagements, framing them as draining American resources while failing to serve core national interests. His critics, however, accuse him of downplaying the threats posed by authoritarian regimes and extremist groups.
Strategic Rift
Netanyahu, meanwhile, defended Israel as a cornerstone ally that shares America’s democratic values and security goals, insisting that support for Israel aligns with U.S. long-term interests.
Analysts say the spat highlights a growing ideological divide within American conservatism: between those favoring traditional alliances and those embracing isolationism.
The back-and-forth has already sparked heated debate on social media, with supporters of both men weighing in on the future of U.S.-Israel relations
About the Author
