• Tucker Carlson criticized Israel for recent military strikes in Gaza that destroyed Christian churches and killed worshippers, calling it “self-destructive behavior.”
• Michael Knowles acknowledged the strikes as likely “accidents” but questioned their political wisdom in the context of U.S. support for Israel.
• Since October 7, 2023, Carlson’s critiques have sharpened, warning that pro-Israel American Christians could be losing their moral compass.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TDR) — Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson issued some of his harshest words yet for Israel’s conduct in Gaza, warning that recent attacks on Christian sites amount to “self-destructive behavior”. His remarks came during a new episode of The Tucker Carlson Show, where he was joined by Michael Knowles of The Daily Wire.

The conversation focused on the destruction of Saint Porphyrius Church, one of Gaza’s most historic Greek Orthodox sanctuaries, which was badly damaged by Israeli strikes in October 2023. Palestinian officials reported that 18 civilians, many of them sheltering from the fighting, were killed in that attack. A second strike in July 2024 left additional damage, intensifying anger among Christian communities worldwide.

A Warning to Israel

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Carlson, long known for questioning U.S. foreign policy orthodoxy, said the pattern of targeting — even if unintended — could undermine Israel’s most crucial alliance. “What I care about is the effect on Christians — and that’s just not good at all,” he said. His comments underscored a growing discomfort among conservatives with incidents that include the bombing of Gaza’s only Catholic church, Holy Family, where three were killed this summer.

Knowles, while defending Israel by calling the events accidental strikes, admitted they were politically damaging. “I don’t see why, from a strategic perspective, it would be beneficial… when America is your last political protector,” he said, warning that such incidents give adversaries propaganda victories.

Carlson’s Consistent Criticism

This is far from Carlson’s first break with the traditional pro-Israel consensus in Washington. Since Hamas launched its deadly October 7, 2023 assault that killed about 1,200 Israelis, Carlson has consistently attacked the wisdom of giving Israel what he views as unconditional support.

“If your Christian faith requires you to support a foreign government blowing up churches and killing Christians, you’ve lost the thread,” Carlson said in a viral segment late last year. In July, he described pro-Israel lobbyists as “the most vicious people I’ve ever dealt with,” underscoring his sense that American debate on the subject is dominated by aggressive pressure campaigns.

Broader Religious Fallout

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The Gaza war has put immense pressure on the enclave’s Christian community, which numbered fewer than 1,000 before the conflict. Many have sought refuge in sacred spaces like Saint Porphyrius and Holy Family. The targeting of those churches has been condemned by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who described Israel’s Gaza campaign as morally indefensible.

These events highlight a collision between geopolitics and religion. For decades, American evangelicals have viewed support for Israel as a matter of biblical mandate. But Carlson is reframing the issue: how can Christians continue unconditional support when civilian casualties mount and churches themselves become casualties of war?

Strategic Consequences

Carlson’s critique also touches on long-term strategy. By alienating Christian communities, Israel risks undermining the very coalition that defends its interests in Washington. Even within the GOP, a small but vocal faction is beginning to question whether current U.S.–Israel policy aligns with America’s own national interest. Reports of Netanyahu’s strained conversations with allies following church bombings highlight the diplomatic costs.

The war itself remains a humanitarian disaster, with churches no longer sanctuaries of safety but sites of devastation. The repeated targeting of such locations is fueling questions about Israel’s military strategy and whether it is eroding support among even its most steadfast partners.

Carlson’s pointed remarks show how debates once confined to the political left are now penetrating conservative media. His framing — that Christians cannot square their faith with supporting a campaign that destroys churches — has the potential to reshape discourse on the right.

Is the Gaza war driving a permanent rift between Israel and the American Christian base it has long relied on?

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