In a lengthy and intense interview, Tucker Carlson sat down with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee for a wide-ranging discussion on America’s relationship with Israel, the threat of Iran and the theological roots of Christian Zionism.
Carlson began by framing the moment as one of geopolitical urgency. “The United States is moving toward a big war, a real war with Iran,” he said, adding that he believes “Israel is driving that.” He suggested it was time for Americans to understand the dynamic between the two nations better.
One of the early flashpoints in the interview centered on Huckabee’s meeting with Jonathan Pollard, the former U.S. intelligence analyst convicted of spying for Israel. Carlson called Pollard “the most damaging betrayer in our lifetimes” and questioned why Huckabee met with him at the U.S. Embassy.
Huckabee defended the meeting, saying it was not unusual. “I met Jonathan Pollard two times,” Huckabee explained, describing the visit as brief and largely personal. “He came to the embassy… we had a nice, pleasant visit.” While acknowledging Pollard “did something that was despicable,” Huckabee emphasized that he was not endorsing Pollard’s past actions.
One of the main focuses of the interview was on Christian Zionism and biblical claims to the land of Israel.
Huckabee argued that Israel’s legitimacy rests on both biblical and historical foundations. “The Jewish people are living in a land that is indigenous to them,” he said, adding that there has been “an unbroken line of Jewish people” connected to the land for thousands of years. He also cited modern legal precedents, including international recognition of Israel following its founding in 1948.
The interview also addressed the war in Gaza and civilian casualties. Carlson asked about the number of children killed in the conflict. Huckabee responded by condemning Hamas’ actions on Oct. 7 and defending Israel’s military conduct. “Israel takes steps that we don’t take… to try to prevent civilian deaths,” Huckabee said, arguing that Israel works to minimize harm despite the realities of urban warfare.
The discussion concluded with questions about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Huckabee warned of the long-standing threats from Tehran, stating, “When Iran has told us for 47 years they’re going to kill us,” the risk cannot be ignored.
In the end, the exchange between Carlson and Huckabee did more than spotlight policy disagreements—it exposed the deep tensions that are currently making waves through American politics about the role of Israel on the international scale.
We must ultimately remember that in Genesis 12:3, God declares to Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” We must continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps. 122:6), to pursue justice and to seek God’s wisdom in all circumstances.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
