U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson engaged in a fiery exchange over theology and foreign policy, particularly concerning Christian support for Israel, during a recent interview addressing rising tensions between Israel and Iran.
The conversation, part of a broader discussion on the current geopolitical climate in the Middle East, turned confrontational when Cruz referenced a biblical foundation for his longstanding support of Israel.
“As a Christian growing up in Sunday school, I was taught from the Bible: ‘Those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed,’” Cruz said. “I want to be on the blessing side of things.”
Carlson, however, challenged the interpretation. “Those who bless the government of Israel?” he asked.
“It doesn’t say the government of—it says the nation of Israel,” Cruz replied.
Carlson questioned the scriptural context. “Where is that [in the Bible]?” he asked. Cruz appeared unsure, prompting Carlson to interject that the reference comes from Genesis 12:3, where God tells Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.”
“So you’re quoting a Bible phrase. You don’t have context for it, and you don’t know where in the Bible it is, but that’s, like, your theology? I’m confused. What does that even mean?” Carlson continued. “I’m a Christian, and I want to know what you’re talking about.”
Cruz responded: “Biblically, we are commanded to support Israel.”
Carlson pushed back, asking whether support for Israel means endorsing its current government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Yes,” Cruz replied, before clarifying: “Netanyahu is not a dictator; he was democratically elected.”
Carlson then pressed further: “So you’re saying, as a Christian—I believe in Jesus—that I have to support the modern state of Israel?”
“No, I’m not saying that,” Cruz clarified. “I’m explaining, for me, what my motivation is.”
He added that while his Christian faith informs his views, his political support for Israel is also grounded in strategic and national interest.
“The reason that I’m the leading defender of Israel is because Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East—an incredibly troubled part of the world—and supporting Israel benefits America,” he said. “The clearest illustration of that is what is happening right now.”
The interview highlighted a growing divide among American conservatives over the role of Christian belief in shaping foreign policy and the extent to which theological convictions should influence political support for Israel.
The exchange comes amid increasing international concern over a possible escalation between Israel and Iran. On Wednesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump said he had approved plans to strike Iran but had not yet made a final decision.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned of “irreparable damage” if the U.S. were to join Israeli military action, stating that Iran “will not surrender.”
Watch the full interview between Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson below.
