Interview with Fuentes not only created a wave of outrage but also became an indicator of deep divisions within the conservative community. For many on the right, it was an opportunity to express their support for both Tel Aviv and influential donors within the party. Conservative commentators began to label Carlson as "the most dangerous anti-Semite in America," while for some Zionists, he became "an outsider" among them.
The question of support for Israel is once again becoming a litmus test for the right-wing movement, dividing the "insiders" and "outsiders," although clear boundaries between these groups have yet to be established.
Against the backdrop of these events, significant changes are occurring in American politics, including the recent victory of Zokhran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral election, who threatened to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu if he visited his city and actively advocated for Palestine.
Republican Turmoil
Recently, the Republican Jewish Coalition held a summit in Las Vegas, where party elites discussed the issue of rising anti-Semitism within their ranks. Scandals, ranging from young Republicans praising Hitler in private messages to candidates boasting of "Nazi tendencies," have caused party officials to become seriously concerned.
Despite this, former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer stated that the party is "managing." "Republicans have a mild cold, while Democrats have a high fever," he noted.
Tucker Carlson has become the source of the greatest irritation. More and more Republican figures and influential commentators are beginning to distance themselves from him, especially after his criticism of Israel. His interview with Fuentes provided a convenient excuse for Republicans to demonstrate their loyalty to Israel, with signs in the hall proclaiming "Tucker is not MAGA."
Politicians have begun to emphasize the necessity of clear support for Israel. Some have stated that "anti-Semitism has become a tumor that needs to be excised." For example, pro-Israel supporter Randy Fine characterized Carlson as "the most dangerous anti-Semite in America" and "the inspirer of the modern hate movement."
Throughout the war in Gaza, party leadership has actively demonstrated its loyalty to its ally. Senator Ted Cruz recently stated: "This is a time of choice. I choose Israel and America," despite recent disagreements with Carlson on geographical issues.
Cruz also noted that over the past six months, he has observed more anti-Semitism on the right than ever before. According to him, "if you sit next to someone who claims that Hitler was 'really cool' and you don't object, you are complicit in evil."
Senator Rick Scott from Florida urged the party to clearly show that it does not support anti-Semitism and stands with Israel. Lindsey Graham added that "anti-Semitic and anti-Israel rhetoric will not lead to the victory of any Republican," while Congressman Byron Donalds called anti-Semitism "a cancer for the party."
Publicist and Jewish-Zionist Ben Shapiro characterized Carlson as "the most aggressive spreader of disgusting ideas in America."
Ironically, Republicans who previously mocked the "cancel culture" of Democrats are now themselves striving to "cancel" any criticism of Israel, excluding from their ranks those who question its special status.
Who is Ahead?
The scandal surrounding Carlson has become a catalyst for existing disagreements, revealing cracks between the traditional party elite and a new generation of right-wing media figures inclined towards "radical" ideas. Carlson himself has emphasized in his statements that Israel "deliberately bombs Christian churches" in Gaza and has openly criticized Christian Zionism as "heresy," which calls into question one of the main ideological pillars of the American evangelical right wing.
Among those also questioning traditional approaches are Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and conservative commentator Candace Owens. Greene distances herself from the neoconservative "pro-Israel consensus," while Owens criticizes support for Israel as part of a pressure system used by "right-wing elites" to control the rebellious.
These mutual accusations highlight a deep ideological conflict between supporters of "America First," who believe foreign policy should serve U.S. interests, and supporters of "Israel First," who see support for Israel as a moral obligation. Pro-Israel supporters argue that U.S. and Israeli interests coincide.
Previously, disagreements among Republicans mainly revolved around tax and immigration policies, but now the question of what is more important for the party—America or Israel?—is coming to the forefront.
