Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the “disgusting” and “false” rumors that aim to connect Israel to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In a video statement posted Thursday, Netanyahu defended Kirk as a fierce ally of Israel and rejected suggestions that the country would want him killed.
“This is insane. It is false. It is outrageous,” Netanyahu said in his statement. “Charlie Kirk was a giant, a once-in-a-century talent, who defended freedom, defended America, defended our common Judeo-Christian civilization.”
“Charlie loved Israel,” he continued. “He loved the Jewish people.”
The Israeli leader said he received a letter a few months ago from Kirk, who reportedly wrote, “One of my greatest joys as a Christian … is advocating for Israel and forming alliances with Jews to protect Judeo Christian civilization.”
The late Turning Point USA co-founder urged him “to make the case directly to the American people about how vital Israel is to U.S. national security,” the prime minister said.
“The Holy Land is so important to my life,” Kirk continued in the letter, according to Netanyahu. “It pains me to see support for Israel slip away.”
He acknowledged that Kirk — who was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University last week — sometimes would disagree with him on Israeli policy, but the prime minister said he “welcomed” the feedback from the American political organizer.
“This is the essence of Charlie. This is the essence of a free country,” Netanyahu continued. “It’s exactly what Charlie stood for, and I knew that his suggestions always came from the heart, from his love for Israel and from his love for the Jewish people.”
The Anti-Defamation League, a nonprofit that fights antisemitism and bias, has tracked “the rapid proliferation of antisemitic conspiracy theories spread by those who wish to exploit the moment of panic and uncertainty” in the wake of Kirk’s death.
“Now, some are peddling these disgusting rumors, perhaps out of obsession, perhaps with Qatari funding,” Netanyahu said. “What I do know is this: Charlie Kirk was a great man, and a great man deserves honor, not lies.”
