Tucker Carlson’s Claims of Detention in Israel Contradicted by Ambassador

Tucker Carlson stated that he and his crew were held at an Israeli airport, a claim U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee dismissed as a mere customs procedure.

The former Fox News host, known for his critical stance on U.S. and Israeli policies and accusations of anti-Semitic remarks, was in Israel to interview Huckabee but allegedly refused to leave Ben-Gurion Airport.

“Men who claimed to be airport security took our passports and moved our executive producer to a side room, wanting to know what we discussed with Ambassador Huckabee,” Carlson mentioned in a statement.

“It was a strange experience. We’re not there anymore,” he added.

Huckabee countered Carlson’s statements by stating, “Everyone entering or leaving Israel, or any country, goes through passport checks and is often asked security questions.” He further emphasized that the Israel Airports Authority denied any allegations that Carlson’s group faced delays or questioning.

The IAA responded with a statement indicating that Carlson and his party were asked routine questions, and the discussions in the VIP lounge were a privacy consideration, not a security issue.

Upon his arrival, Carlson shared a photo on social media saying, “Greetings from Israel,” featuring himself and his business partner in front of the airport.

Carlson, age 56, has shifted toward criticizing Israel more openly since leaving Fox News in 2023. He started his independent venture, “The Tucker Carlson Show,” shortly thereafter, where he has featured controversial figures labeled as anti-Semites.

In a meeting with one such figure, Carlson labeled Huckabee a “Christian Zionist” and absurdly claimed that Huckabee was “infected with a brain virus” for supporting Israel.

During a memorial service for Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, which attracted over 100 million viewers online, Carlson insinuated that Israel had a hand in the assassination of the commentator.

The organization Stop Antisemitism named Carlson its “Anti-Semite of the Year” for 2025 due to his rhetoric that they allege normalizes anti-Semitism.

Criticism arose swiftly regarding Carlson’s decision to remain in the airport during his brief visit. David Friedman, former U.S. ambassador to Israel, remarked on the lost opportunity, stating that Carlson had good invitations that he chose to ignore.

Additionally, a Kansas Rabbi humorously noted that Carlson might not realize he didn’t get his passport stamped, implying criticism of his stance towards Israel.