Lede: Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli said that American media personality Tucker Carlson represents the “greatest threat” in the United States, alleging that Carlson is “most likely paid by Qatar” while accusing him of promoting narratives favorable to Hamas and radical Islamist ideology.
Why it matters
The remarks highlight rising tensions between Israeli officials and prominent Western media figures amid the ongoing war in Gaza and broader Middle East instability. Chikli’s comments also underscore Israel’s growing concern over foreign influence campaigns and ideological narratives shaping public opinion in the United States and Europe.
What to know
Speaking during an appearance on Middle East Now, Chikli accused Carlson of shifting his rhetoric in ways that align with Islamist movements, claiming the commentator has portrayed Hamas as merely a political organization and framed opposition to radical Islam as Islamophobia. Chikli further argued that such messaging benefits Qatar, which he described as a central supporter of Islamist causes.
What people are saying
During the interview, Chikli said, “Every state is a different story. And obviously, currently in America, the greatest threat is Tucker Carlson, who is most likely paid by Qatar.” He also claimed Carlson has become “a fan of Sharia law” and “an advocate of radical Islam,” while accusing him of downplaying Hamas’s role as a militant organization.
Chikli also addressed broader regional dynamics, stating that the Sunni Muslim world is divided between what he described as a Muslim Brotherhood-aligned axis—led by Turkey, Qatar, and Syria under Ahmad al-Sharaa (also known as Jolani)—and a so-called moderate Sunni bloc that includes the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan.
What happens next
Chikli said Israel should reassess its diplomatic posture toward countries he views as aligned with Islamist ideology, including Turkey. “I think we should cut ties with Turkey: it’s an enemy state,” he said, adding that the United States should reconsider how it addresses what he called the radical Islamist ideology of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
It remains unclear whether Chikli’s comments will prompt formal diplomatic responses, but they add to a widening debate over media influence, foreign funding allegations, and ideological alignments shaping Western discourse on the Middle East.
