US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has launched a sharp criticism of commentator Tucker Carlson following a contentious interview conducted at Ben Gurion Airport, accusing him of promoting unsubstantiated claims and damaging Israel’s image.
In a series of posts on the social media platform X, Huckabee said the interview contained what he claimed as “misleading assertions”, adding that one question relating to an alleged harassment case appeared intended to “set him up” rather than seek clarification.
The ambassador stated that Tom Alexandrovich, an Israeli citizen arrested in Nevada in August 2025 for child sex crimes charges, had not violated any court orders. According to Huckabee, the individual was released on bail, appeared before the court via Zoom and entered a plea of not guilty.
READ: Presenter Tucker Carlson claims Israel detained him after interview with US ambassador
Huckabee also rejected Carlson’s allegation that Israeli President Isaac Herzog had visited the location commonly referred to as “Epstein Island”, describing the claim as defamatory. “Tucker might need to consult his lawyers. Defaming a good and honourable man is reckless,” he wrote.
Carlson later published a video on X retracting his statements about Herzog, saying he had received a letter from the president’s office denying any connection to Jeffrey Epstein. He issued a formal apology, acknowledging that his earlier remarks were made without verified information.
Huckabee further criticised Carlson’s interpretation of Zionism, calling their exchange “convoluted and confusing”. He said Zionism meant recognising Israel’s right to exist in security and peace, accusing Carlson of avoiding a clear answer when asked whether he recognised that right.
READ: Palestine denounces US envoy’s remarks on Israeli rule over Middle East