Feb 21 • 16:00 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

Combative Carlson-Huckabee interview reveals US right’s chasm over Israel

A contentious interview between Tucker Carlson and Mike Huckabee highlights divisions within the Republican party regarding Israel and the US's foreign policy.

In a revealing interview between Tucker Carlson and Mike Huckabee, conducted at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport, significant ideological divides within the Republican party regarding the United States' relationship with Israel came to the forefront. The discussion showcased a growing skepticism towards Israel among the 'Maga' right, contrasting sharply with the traditional Christian conservative faction that views the US-Israel alliance as fundamental to American foreign policy. Tucker Carlson's confrontational style illuminated the rifts in opinions around US support for Israel, suggesting a potential realignment of beliefs within the party.

Huckabee, a former governor and US ambassador to Israel, represented the more established conservative viewpoint, which sees a strong relationship with Israel as crucial, even if it conflicts with evolving public sentiment. This old guard remains firmly committed to a vision of American foreign policy that includes deep ties with Israel, perceiving such alliances as not only politically favorable but also divinely mandated. Carlson's pointed criticisms of this stance indicate that the MAGA segment of the party is increasingly questioning these traditional views, potentially reshaping party lines on foreign policy.

The implications of this ideological clash are profound. As certain factions within the Republican party, particularly the more nationalistic segments, increasingly express doubts about supporting Israel unequivocally, it raises questions about the future of US foreign policy in the Middle East. This divergence could signal a broader reevaluation of what the Republican party stands for, particularly in regards to international alliances, creating uncertainty about the direction of future US engagement in global affairs, especially concerning Israel and Palestine.

📡 Similar Coverage