President Donald Trump's administration faced an unusual diplomatic situation when television host Tucker Carlson reported a contentious security incident during his recent trip to Israel. Carlson, who was there to interview U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, claimed on social media that he and his team were detained by Israeli security at Ben Gurion Airport's VIP lounge, an account that was subsequently disputed by Ambassador Huckabee and Israeli officials.
According to Carlson, security personnel took their passports, questioned his executive producer in a separate room, and inquired about their conversation with Ambassador Huckabee. Following the incident, Carlson confirmed his team's departure from Israel. The story, first reported by the New York Post and later amplified by Carlson's posts on social media, quickly gained traction online.
Ambassador Huckabee, however, dismissed the notion of detention, describing the event as a standard security procedure. "EVERYONE who comes in/out of Israel has passports checked & routinely asked security questions," he stated, referencing the common security protocol for all travelers. Huckabee further supported his claim by sharing an official statement from the Israel Airports Authority (IAA), which denied that Carlson's group was subjected to any denial of entry, delays, or interrogation.
The IAA clarified that Carlson and his colleagues were "politely asked a few routine questions" to ensure the security of all entering or exiting the country. These questions took place in a separate room within the VIP lounge to protect the group's privacy, rather than in a public area. Additionally, a spokesperson from the U.S. Embassy addressed the issue, emphasizing that the embassy's sole role was to coordinate the landing of Carlson's private plane to facilitate a smooth visit and that Carlson received the same treatment as any other visitor to Israel.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett weighed in on the controversy, lambasting Carlson for what he perceived as a fabricated incident. Bennett accused Carlson of not truly entering the country and crafting a narrative of harassment by Israeli security. Such direct criticism from a former head of state underscored the tensions surrounding the situation.
David Friedman, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Israel during President Trump's first term, described Carlson's decision to stay at the airport as a missed opportunity, noting that there were standing invitations for Carlson to visit various sites in Israel.
This incident comes against the backdrop of Carlson's departure from Fox News in 2023 and the launch of his independent venture, "The Tucker Carlson Show," where he has hosted controversial figures, including Nick Fuentes. Carlson has also made contentious statements regarding Christian Zionists and Ambassador Huckabee's support for Israel, which have drawn criticism.
At a memorial service for Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, Carlson suggested that Israel was responsible for Kirk's assassination, a claim that contributed to his being named "Antisemite of the Year" by the advocacy organization StopAntisemitism in December 2025.
