Israel Denies Responsibility for Charlie Kirk’s Death
▼ Summary
– Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied conspiracy theories linking Israel to Charlie Kirk’s death, calling them a “monstrous big lie.”
– Netanyahu faced hostility from the MAGA right after portraying Kirk as a friend, despite Kirk’s recent criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
– Influencer Candace Owens suggested without evidence that Israel was trying to silence Kirk, claiming he was threatened by pro-Israel billionaire Bill Ackman.
– Netanyahu implied that the rumors might be spread by those with “Qatari funding,” though he did not provide evidence for this claim.
– Prominent conservative figures Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson claimed Kirk privately expressed discomfort with Israeli pressure to tone down his critiques and had grown to dislike Netanyahu.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a video statement addressing a widespread conspiracy theory circulating within MAGA circles, firmly denying any involvement in the death of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk. The prime minister described the allegations as both baseless and offensive, aiming to quell speculation that has gained traction online.
In a social media video shared Thursday morning, Netanyahu stated, “Someone has fabricated a monstrous big lie , that Israel had something to do with Charlie Kirk’s horrific murder. This is insane, it is false, it is outrageous.” The statement comes amid growing tension between Netanyahu and some factions of the conservative movement, despite Kirk’s previously strong pro-Israel stance.
Kirk had recently begun voicing criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, a shift that resonated with many younger right-wing voters. Following his death, several high-profile figures suggested he had faced pressure over his changed position. Influencer Candace Owens, for example, implied without evidence on her podcast that pro-Israel interests may have been involved, specifically naming hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman.
Netanyahu responded to these claims by hinting that the rumors may be fueled by external agendas, mentioning “Qatari funding” as a possible source. Although few have directly accused Israel of involvement, prominent conservative voices like Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson have discussed Kirk’s private expressions of discomfort regarding what he perceived as pressure from Netanyahu’s government.
Carlson stated on his show, “Benjamin Netanyahu really tormented Charlie. We talked about it many times. He tormented Charlie, and his advocates tormented Charlie.” He added that Kirk had confided in him about his growing disdain for the Israeli leader. These accounts have contributed to a charged atmosphere, though no credible evidence has emerged to support the conspiracy theories.
Netanyahu’s unusual public rebuttal underscores the sensitivity of the issue and the potential for misinformation to influence political alliances. The situation reflects broader tensions within conservative media regarding U.S.-Israel relations and the space for critical discourse.
(Source: The Verge)
