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Republican Rift Deepens Over Israel Amid Antisemitism Claims

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Joe Kent, a former counterterrorism official, claimed in an interview that pro-Israel forces influenced the assassination of Charlie Kirk and that Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pressed for U.S. action against Iran.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell criticized Kent's remarks as virulent antisemitism.
The controversy reveals a widening Republican split over Israel, with critics linking right-wing media figures to antisemitic conspiracy claims.

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Story summary

Joe Kent, a former counterterrorism official, claimed in an interview that pro-Israel forces influenced the assassination of Charlie Kirk and that Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pressed for U.S. action against Iran.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell criticized Kent's remarks as virulent antisemitism.
The controversy reveals a widening Republican split over Israel, with critics linking right-wing media figures to antisemitic conspiracy claims.