Tucker Carlson’s recent interview with an Anglican archbishop from Jerusalem is drawing pushback from The Israel Guys, who argue the conversation left out critical historical and demographic context about Christians living in Israel.
Carlson framed the discussion around whether Christians are “thriving or suffering” in the Jewish state, asserting that there are “fewer Christians now … than there were when the state was founded in 1948.” The archbishop said the Christian population “dwindled to half in ’48 because many people had to leave,” referring to the period surrounding Israel’s founding.
In response, the analysis cites census data indicating that Israel’s Christian population stood at approximately 35,000-40,000 in 1948 and has grown to approximately 185,000 today. While acknowledging population decline during the 1948 war, the critique notes that the conflict began when five Arab nations attacked the newly declared state of Israel.
Over the decades, the Christian population has steadily increased, including significant growth since the 1980s.
The interview also turned to how Palestinians are perceived in the United States. Carlson claimed that “Palestinian is a synonym … for Islamic terrorist.” The archbishop called that characterization “demonizing.” The response counters by citing polling conducted after the Oct. 7 attacks, indicating that 83% of Palestinians in Judea and Samaria expressed support for Hamas’ actions.
That statistic adds some much-needed context absent from the exchange.
Another flashpoint came when the archbishop said he was denied entry into Gaza to visit a hospital, explaining, “I have an Israeli citizenship … and basically I’m not allowed in.” The critique contends that this was presented as discrimination while overlooking the broader reality that Israeli civilians are barred from entering Gaza, particularly during wartime.
The restriction is tied to citizenship and security policy, not religion.
The archbishop also described being spat at while wearing a cross, clarifying that the spitting is “directed to you” but not physically on a person. He suggested that some Jewish communities associate the cross with historical persecution.
While acknowledging such incidents are wrong, the video analysis argues they do not amount to systemic oppression, especially since the archbishop also affirmed Christians generally have freedom of movement in most areas of Israel.
In the end, The Israel Guys’ critique maintains that the interview’s structure emphasized grievance while downplaying broader historical realities. Population shifts tied to war, travel restrictions during active conflict and isolated harassment incidents were presented as evidence of widespread persecution.
When viewed alongside long-term demographic trends and the regional context, the picture of Christian life in Israel appears far more complex than Tucker’s interview suggested.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
