A conversation between Sen. Ted Cruz and conservative media personality Tucker Carlson got incredibly tense when the two clashed over the senator’s unwavering support of Israel, which Cruz attempted to justify using a specific interpretation of a passage in the Biblical book of Genesis, which led to a major disagreement between the two.
For context, during an appearance on “The Tucker Carlson Show” on June 18, 2025, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) took a hardline pro-Israel stance that Carlson called into question, leading to both being extremely offended by each other — particularly when the senator made comments that Carlson interpreted as accusations of antisemitism.
Moreover, Sen. Cruz attempted to defend his pro-Israel stance using Genesis 12:3, which reads: “The nation is like a mighty lion; when it is sleeping, no one dares wake it. Whoever blesses Israel will be blessed, and whoever curses Israel will be cursed.” The senator told Carlson, “As a Christian, growing up in Sunday school, I was taught from the Bible, ‘Those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed.’ And from my perspective, I want to be on the blessing side of things.”
In response to the senator’s statement, Tucker called his reasoning into question, asking if Sen. Cruz believed that the Bible verse was referring to “those who bless the government of Israel.” The senator replied, “‘Those who bless Israel,’ is what it says. It doesn’t say ‘the government of.’ It says ‘the nation of Israel.'” He added, “So that’s in the Bible. As a Christian, I believe that.”
As the tension built between the two, Carlson questioned the senator once again, saying, “So, you’re quoting a Bible phrase you don’t have context for and you don’t know where in the Bible it is, but that’s like your theology? I’m confused. What does that even mean?” He clarified, “I’m a Christian. I want to know where you’re talking about.”
Next, the senator doubled down on his stance, saying, “Where does my support for Israel come from? Number one, because biblically, we’re commanded to support Israel.” Carlson cut in, saying, “Hold on. You’re a senator, and now you’re throwing out theology. And I’m a Christian, and I am allowed to weigh in on this. We’re commanded as Christians to support the government of Israel?”
Once again, Sen. Cruz pushed back, saying, “We are commanded to support Israel. We’re told, ‘Those who bless Israel will be blessed.” Carlson replied, “Hold on. Define ‘Israel.’ This is important.” Cruz retorted, “Define Israel? Do you not know what Israel is? That would be the country you’ve asked like 49 questions about.”
Carlson, unsatisfied with the senator’s stance, said, “So that’s what God is talking about in Genesis? So, is that the current borders, the current leadership? He’s talking about the political entity called Israel?” The two continued to debate the issue until Carlson said, “Ok, Israel. But you don’t even know where in the Bible it is.” Cruz, irritated, said, “Try to be a little less condescending.”
Watch a clip from the exchange:
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video