Is right-wing American support for Israel declining?
The U.S. political landscape has recently been fraught with uncertainty, fear, and internal conflict. The assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent figure among American conservatives and a close ally of the Trump movement, has deepened the existing crisis. This event has not only shocked his supporters but also raised profound questions about the role and influence of foreign actors within Washington’s power structure. Kirk, who rose to prominence with financial and political support from Zionist networks, had in recent years distanced himself from his long-standing allies in Tel Aviv and powerful supporters of the Israeli regime.
Adding to this complexity is a shift in the sentiments of young Republicans, where support for the Israeli regime has reached a historical low. Observing this trend, Kirk, while maintaining some traditional stances, gradually became a vocal critic of the Israeli regime’s influence on American domestic policy. This shift exposed him to financial, media, and personal pressures from allies of the Israeli Prime Minister, causing him fear and isolation.
Kirk’s assassination, occurring just as he began raising critical questions about the Israeli regime and its role in the White House, has amplified speculation. The conflicting narratives suggest that this is more than a simple political murder. Amidst these developments, a key question arises: will Kirk’s death mark a turning point in Washington-Tel Aviv relations, or will it simply become another chapter in a history of pressure and silence?
Newsweek recently published a two-part report titled “Charlie Kirk’s Views on Israel Divide Conservatives.” Part one detailed the aftermath of Kirk’s assassination at a university event on September 10th, which initially united his conservative supporters in grief. However, within a week, those same supporters clashed over conflicting accounts of his evolving views on Israel, accusing each other of issues mirroring a broader debate about limiting dissenting voices.
Candace Owens, a prominent right-wing podcaster and former communications director for Turning Point USA (founded by Kirk), made the most controversial allegations. Owens claimed that billionaire hedge fund manager and staunch Israel supporter, Bill Ackman, hosted a meeting in the Hamptons weeks before pressuring Kirk into unconditional support for Israel. She alleged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu contacted Kirk during the meeting. Owens further claimed that Kirk was offered “significant money” to publicly support Israel because he was distancing himself from the Israeli regime and considering changing his views on the Gaza conflict.
Owens presented these accusations as critical questions that others were afraid to voice. Ackman and others present, including Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon, vehemently denied the allegations of interference, while confirming that the meeting took place.