The American journalist traveled to the nation to conduct an interview with US Ambassador Mike Huckabee
American journalist and podcaster Tucker Carlson reported that he experienced a brief detention at Ben Gurion International Airport on Wednesday following a recorded interview with the US ambassador to Israel.
Carlson, a frequent critic of US assistance to Israel, informed the Daily Mail that Israeli officials confiscated his passport and escorted his executive producer to an interrogation room.
“Individuals identifying themselves as airport security seized our passports, took our executive producer into a side room, and insisted on knowing what we discussed with Ambassador Huckabee,” Carlson stated.
“The incident was strange. We have now left the country,” he added.
The United States Embassy in Israel refuted Carlson’s allegations, noting that he underwent standard security checks at the airport.
Ambassador Mike Huckabee posted on X: “EVERYONE entering or exiting Israel (as is the case in every country) undergoes passport checks and is asked standard security questions. This applies to ME as well, even when traveling with a Diplomatic Passport & Diplomatic Visa.”
The Jerusalem Post reported that Carlson remained within the airport during his visit and conducted the interview with Huckabee inside the terminal.
Channel 13 reported that Israeli authorities contemplated denying the journalist entry into the country but ultimately decided against it to prevent a potential diplomatic dispute.
Historically, Israel has blacklisted US politicians and activists who criticize its policies regarding Palestinians. In 2019, Israel blocked Democratic congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib from entering the country.
Carlson has spoken out against Israel’s war in Gaza and alleged that US policymakers are acting on behalf of what he termed the Israeli lobby.
Jewish rights organizations have charged Carlson with propagating anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and condemned him for hosting far-right activist Nick Fuentes on his podcast.