Full Breakdown
Escalation of Anti-Israel Rhetoric Among Right-Wing Influencers in 2025
12/29/2025, 10:24:46 PM
Rising Hostility Toward Israel
A recent study by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) has documented a significant increase in anti-Israel rhetoric among prominent right-wing influencers Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens throughout 2025. The study utilized artificial intelligence to analyze approximately 3,000 videos from their YouTube channels, which each boast over five million subscribers. It found that both influencers have intensified their focus on Israel, with Owens beginning this trend in February 2025 and Carlson following in April.
The findings indicate a marked escalation in negative sentiment toward Israel. For Carlson, the percentage of negative references rose from about 51% in the previous six months to approximately 70% in the latter half of the year. In contrast, Owens's references to Israel were already overwhelmingly negative, with 96% classified as such at the year's start, and this figure increased as her volume of negative content surged.
Explicit Antisemitism and Rhetorical Shifts
Owens's content has increasingly embraced explicit antisemitic themes. The study revealed that 45% of her videos mentioning Jews were classified as antisemitic, a figure that rose to 75% in the latter half of the year. Her rhetoric includes sweeping generalizations about Jews, portrayals of them as a "cult," and claims of "Jewish supremacy." Notably, she has also made controversial assertions linking Jews to historical events such as the transatlantic slave trade and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Carlson, while not consistently using explicit antisemitic language, has provided a platform for known antisemites, including Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes. His content has included comparisons between Israel and Hamas and accusations of genocide against Israel, reflecting a broader trend of hostility that is now becoming more pronounced within the American right.
Responses and Concerns
The study's findings have sparked concern among Jewish communities and political figures. Approximately 88% of American Jews surveyed by JPPI agreed with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz's assertion of a significant rise in antisemitism on the right, with only 4% dissenting. Critics, including Ben Shapiro, have publicly condemned Carlson and Owens for their rhetoric, labeling it as harmful and conspiratorial.
In response to these developments, U.S. Vice President JD Vance characterized the backlash against Israel as a reaction to a prevailing consensus in American foreign policy. However, this view was met with skepticism, as 73% of respondents disagreed with his characterization.
Implications for U.S.-Israel Relations
The JPPI study highlights a troubling trend: anti-Israel discourse is no longer confined to the political fringes but is increasingly permeating mainstream right-wing thought. This shift poses potential risks for U.S.-Israel relations, as the rhetoric employed by Carlson and Owens could undermine traditional support for Israel among conservative circles.
Dr. Shuki Friedman, JPPI's Director-General, emphasized the need for a strategic response to counter this extremism, warning that the current trajectory could erode the vital base of support Israel has historically relied upon in the United States.
Verbatim Quotes
“Shuki Friedman: “Antisemitism on the American far right is now overt and out in the open.” — Dr. Shuki Friedman, JPPI Director-General
“The data should serve as a flashing warning light for Israel and its leadership regarding the kind of support it can expect from the right, today and in the future.” — Dr. Shuki Friedman, JPPI Director-General
“Ben Shapiro is like a cancer.” — Steve Bannon, former Trump adviser
“charlatans who… traffic in conspiracism and dishonesty,” — Ben Shapiro, conservative commentator
“real backlash to a consensus view in American foreign policy” — JD Vance, U.S. Vice President
