OPINION:
Tucker Carlson sees himself as a “free speech patriot,” the brave voice daring to ask the questions others are too afraid to ask. But he never talks with anyone who actually represents Israel. He talks about Israel endlessly, but never with Israelis.
With whom does he speak? The prime minister of Qatar? Yes. Blatant neo-Nazis and Holocaust deniers? Sure, they have some “interesting” and valid points and provide important perspectives, according to him. The president of Iran, who chants “Death to America” on a daily basis? Certainly.
I would not be surprised if in a couple of weeks we see Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya on Mr. Carlson’s show. Mr. Carlson will “just” be asking questions and nodding his head. After all, Hamas is a “political movement,” not a terrorist organization, according to the former Fox News host.
As for Israel, the topic of 90% of his conversations? No need to talk with anyone there.
Has Mr. Carlson ever reached out to the Israel Defense Forces to learn the facts or even just to hear Israel’s perspective? The answer is no. Doing so would challenge his own narrative, and that’s not how stagecraft works. It’s easier for Mr. Carlson if he doesn’t have to deal in truth; facts just confuse him.
Mr. Carlson’s commentary on Israel isn’t about truth or dialogue. It’s about spreading conspiracies and hate.
This is not conservatism. It’s propaganda theater dressed up as free speech.
AMICHAI CHIKLI
Minister of Diaspora Affairs
Jerusalem, Israel
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