Netanyahu Dismisses Rumors of Israeli Involvement in Charlie Kirk’s Death

In a world increasingly divided by geopolitics and partisan rhetoric, the tragic death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has become a flashpoint for deeper tensions within American conservative circles. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel recently found himself addressing what he called a “disgusting rumor” that Israel had something to do with Kirk’s killing. The 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA was fatally shot on September 10 during a question-and-answer session at Utah Valley University, sending shockwaves through conservative America. While authorities have arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson and charged him with aggravated murder, speculation about motives has spiraled into a broader conversation about Kirk’s relationship with Israel and its leadership.

Netanyahu’s forceful denial came via a video statement posted on social media, where he called the allegations “insane,” “false,” and “outrageous.” In an emotional tribute, the Israeli leader described Kirk as “a giant, a once-in-a-century talent who defended freedom, defended America, defended our common Judeo-Christian civilization.” Netanyahu revealed that Kirk had sent him a letter just months before his death, expressing love for Israel and the Jewish people. According to Netanyahu, Kirk had encouraged him to make Israel’s case directly to the American people, reportedly telling the Prime Minister: “It pains me to see support for Israel slip away.” This personal anecdote seemed designed to counter emerging narratives about Kirk’s stance toward the Israeli government in his final months.

The controversy has exposed growing fissures within the American right regarding support for Israel, particularly in light of the devastating conflict in Gaza. Israel’s military campaign has reportedly resulted in over 64,000 Palestinian deaths, including more than 18,000 children—statistics that have increasingly troubled some conservative voices who previously offered unwavering support for Israel. Prominent conservative broadcaster Tucker Carlson added fuel to the debate by claiming on his show that while Kirk “loved Jews” and “loved the state of Israel,” he “did not like Bibi Netanyahu.” Carlson went further, suggesting Kirk had told him multiple times that he viewed Netanyahu as a “destructive force” who was “using the United States to prosecute his wars for the benefit of his country.” These claims have been echoed by other conservative figures like Candace Owens and Matt Gaetz, creating a complex picture of Kirk’s evolving views.

The debate over Kirk’s stance toward Israel reflects broader changes within parts of the MAGA movement, where some populist figures are questioning America’s financial and military support for Israel’s war in Gaza. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, has emerged as one of the most outspoken critics, becoming the first Republican lawmaker to describe Israeli actions in Gaza as “genocide” back in July. She has called for an end to military aid to Israel and urged people to speak out about the humanitarian crisis. The congresswoman further inflamed tensions with a social media post warning followers: “Do not allow a foreign country, foreign agents, and another religion tell you about Charlie Kirk.” Such statements represent a significant departure from traditional Republican orthodoxy on Israel and suggest a growing willingness among some conservatives to break ranks on the issue.

Netanyahu, while not directly addressing this internal conservative debate, acknowledged in his statement that Kirk occasionally disagreed with him on policy matters. “Now if Charlie disagreed with a policy of mine or a decision, here and there, not only did I not mind, I welcomed it,” the Prime Minister said, framing such disagreements as constructive engagement rather than fundamental opposition. He emphasized that Kirk’s “suggestions always came from the heart.” Netanyahu also suggested that those spreading rumors about Israeli involvement in Kirk’s death might be doing so “out of obsession, perhaps with Qatari funding”—a claim that itself introduces additional geopolitical dimensions to an already complex situation. The reference to Qatar, which has supported Hamas and has been at odds with Israel, implies that anti-Israel forces might be exploiting Kirk’s death for propaganda purposes.

As the legal process moves forward against suspected shooter Tyler Robinson, who is being held without bail until his next court appearance on September 29, the broader conversations about Kirk’s legacy and the future of conservative support for Israel continue to evolve. A memorial service for Kirk is scheduled for September 21 in Arizona, with President Donald Trump and other prominent Republicans expected to attend. The event will likely serve as both a tribute to Kirk’s influence on conservative politics and a moment for reflection on the movement’s direction. Kirk’s death has become more than a personal tragedy—it now serves as a lens through which to view shifting alliances, evolving foreign policy positions, and the complex relationship between American conservatism and Israel during a time of unprecedented conflict in the Middle East. Whatever Kirk’s true feelings about Netanyahu and Israeli policy, his untimely death has undeniably accelerated conversations that may reshape conservative orthodoxy on Israel for years to come.