Israel DENIES Tucker Carlson's Claim That He Was Detained In Airport

 

Israel DENIES Tucker Carlson's Claim That He Was Detained In Airport

Israeli and U.S. officials have firmly denied Tucker Carlson’s claims that he and his team were "detained and interrogated" at Ben Gurion Airport on February 18, 2026, following an interview with U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee.

 

The official responses clarify the incident as follows:

Israel Airports Authority (IAA): The IAA stated that Carlson was never detained, delayed, or interrogated. Instead, his party was asked "a few routine questions" in a separate room within the VIP lounge specifically to protect their privacy and avoid a public discussion.

U.S. Embassy in Israel: A spokesperson called Carlson's account inaccurate, stating he underwent standard passport control procedures applied to all visitors, including Ambassador Huckabee himself.

Ambassador Mike Huckabee: On X (formerly Twitter), Huckabee rejected the claim, noting that everyone entering or exiting Israel is subject to routine security questions, even those with diplomatic passports.

Former Israeli Leaders: Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett publicly criticized Carlson, calling his claims a "made up" story and labeling him a "phony".

Carlson had claimed that security personnel confiscated his team's passports and interrogated his executive producer about the content of his conversation with Huckabee. Reports indicate Carlson never actually left the airport terminal during his brief visit to Israel.