In a sharp rebuke, Netanyahu accuses Tucker Carlson of defending hostile forces and distorting history.
Israfan | Sept 25, 2025
Tucker Carlson speaking with attendees at the 2021 AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America – Tucker Carlson, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikipedia\
A firestorm erupted this week when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forcefully rejected claims made by former U.S. commentator Tucker Carlson that Israel “controls the United States.”
Netanyahu, speaking in an interview with Dinesh D’Souza, said Carlson is “historically ignorant” and implicitly siding with anti?Western forces. “There’s no question” about the Jewish people’s connection to the land of Israel, he insisted, referencing the centuries?old longing to return. He contrasted the ancient bond with what he described as a newer wave of accusations by people unfamiliar with history. He then turned the tables: “Who is Tucker Carlson defending?” Netanyahu asked. “These are people who chant ‘Death to America.’ … They want to destroy everything that America stands for.” He accused Carlson of aligning with forces that reject both Israel and Western civilization.
Carlson, in a recent interview with Glenn Greenwald, had claimed he heard Netanyahu boast to others that he “controls Donald Trump” and the U.S., accusing the prime minister of treating Americans as pawns in Israeli strategy. Carlson framed it as a humiliating breach of sovereignty.
Netanyahu didn’t just push back he widened the scope. He argued that Carlson’s narrative fits into a broader agenda that attacks Israel’s legitimacy and even the West itself. The prime minister praised Israel’s achievements as a democratic state and technological powerhouse, and framed its struggle as a frontline defense for freedom against authoritarian threats.
This clash reveals more than personal animus it underscores a shifting battleground in American conservative politics. Once a stalwart voice of right?wing media, Carlson’s turn into radical skepticism of Israel has isolated him even among conservatives who retain strong pro?Israel views.
Netanyahu’s response reasserts a foundational message: Israel’s security and narrative are not for debate, especially not by those who question its historic existence. His remarks re?center the conversation on sovereignty, shared values, and the alliance between democracies.
The disclosure of Qatari funding for Carlson’s interview is part of a larger discussion about Qatar’s lobbying and influence-peddling efforts in the United States, which includes funding conservative figures and institutions. Critics argue that Qatar is attempting to buy influence on both sides of the political spectrum.
And we all know that Qatar is the largest funder of America’s higher education, with their “Choices” program and China coming in second.
Follow the money.
Why do we keep hearing this nonsense about how “Western Civilization” is threatened by people like Tucker Carlson. Isn’t it obvious by now that people like Tucker Carlson are Western Civilization? When did Western Civilization become friends with the Jews? The history of Western Civilization is the righteous struggles against it from within, including the struggle against antisemitism.
My second response to Carlson:
https://www.israpundit.org/charlie-tucker-and-me-take-2-dear-erika/
Here’s my first detailed response to Carlson:
https://www.newenglishreview.org/just-whats-not-needed-now-more-commentary-regarding-carlson-and-good-buddy-charlie-kirk-not-the-best-way-to-raise-funds/
I used to like Tucker Carlson when he was a Fox News commentator, because at that time he focused his attacks on the corruption in the Biden administration, and against the antifa and BLM rioting machines. But since leaving Fox and becoming “independent” he has focused his attacks against Israel and Jews.
Without in any way excusing Carlson for his despicable antisemitic rhetoric, I think funding sources have something to do with the shift of focus of his commentary. I read from a generally reliable source that Tucker is now being funded, and his salary paid, by a covert organization of wealthy Nazi sympathizers from both Germany and the United States. I am inclined to believe this report, even though I can’t confirm it from my personal knowledge. “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
@Adam D,
I’d like to know more about the group. Any details? I thought the $ was coming from Omeed Malik and Lumen8 Advisors.