Did Israel detain Tucker Carlson? What the US commentator claims and what really happened at Ben Gurion Airport

Conservative political commentator and podcast host Tucker Carlson - File Photo (AFP)

Tucker Carlson claims Israeli airport security detained and questioned his team after interviewing US Ambassador Huckabee, alleging intrusive treatment. Israeli authorities and the US Embassy deny this, stating the procedures were routine for all travelers.

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Former Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson has triggered fresh controversy after claiming that Israeli airport security detained him and his production team at Ben Gurion Airport following an interview with the US ambassador to Israel. Carlson alleged that security officials seized passports, questioned his staff, and sought details about the content of his conversation with Ambassador Mike Huckabee.

Israeli authorities and the US Embassy have firmly rejected the account, calling the interaction routine and standard for all travellers entering and exiting the country.

What Tucker Carlson claims happened

Carlson said he travelled to Tel Aviv to conduct an interview with Huckabee and that problems began when he and his team attempted to leave Israel. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Carlson claimed that airport security personnel detained them and temporarily confiscated their passports.

“People identifying themselves as airport security took our passports, pulled our executive producer aside, and demanded details about what we discussed with Mike Huckabee. It was strange. We’ve since left the country,” Carlson told the Daily Mail.

According to a report by the New York Post, Carlson said his executive producer was taken to a separate room and questioned specifically about the interview. Carlson characterised the incident as an attempt to influence or monitor media coverage involving a senior US diplomat.

Carlson and his team left Israel shortly afterward and have since spoken publicly about the episode.

Israel’s response and official denials

Israeli authorities moved quickly to deny Carlson’s version of events. The Israeli Airports Authority said Carlson was neither detained nor interrogated, and that he experienced the same security procedures applied to other travellers.

An Israeli official, quoted by the Daily Mail, said, “It is not accurate that Israel was only going to let Tucker into the country for the interview. It was Tucker who chose to only come in for a few hours and leave. And he received the same treatment as any visitor.”

The official added that Carlson was briefly asked routine questions in a private room at the VIP lounge and that this was done to protect his privacy rather than restrict his movement.

What the US Embassy said

The US Embassy in Israel supported the Israeli account and rejected claims of unusual treatment. Ambassador Huckabee himself addressed the issue on X, emphasising that security screening applies to everyone, including diplomats.

“EVERYONE who comes in/out of Israel (every country for that matter) has passports checked & routinely asked security questions. Even ME going in/out with Diplomatic Passport & Diplomatic Visa,” Huckabee wrote.

The embassy said Carlson underwent standard passport control and security questioning, with no indication of detention or coercion.

Social media reaction and political fallout

Carlson’s claims quickly sparked debate online. Supporters accused Israel of mistreating an American citizen and questioned US financial aid to Israel.

“The USA funds their wars, and they treat American citizens like suspects? Time to CUT THE AID!” one user wrote on X.

Others were sceptical of Carlson’s account. “He was not detained. He chose not to leave Ben Gurion Airport. Whose payroll is he on?” another user commented.

The episode also revived criticism of Carlson’s stance on Israel. In December 2025, advocacy group StopAntisemitism labelled him “Antisemite of the Year”, citing his commentary and guest choices since launching The Tucker Carlson Show in 2024.

Why Carlson was in Israel

Carlson’s visit followed a public exchange with Huckabee over Israel’s treatment of Christians. Carlson questioned whether the US Embassy was doing enough to protect Christian interests in the region. Huckabee responded by inviting Carlson to visit Israel and see the situation firsthand.

Carlson accepted the invitation, leading to the interview and the brief visit that ended in controversy.

While both sides agree the interaction at the airport occurred, the dispute now centres on whether it was routine security screening or something more intrusive.