Top 6 moments from Mike Huckabee's tense interview with Tucker Carlson: 'Frankly confusing'

By Jon Brown, Christian Post Reporter Monday, February 23, 2026

6. Persecution in the Holy Land: 'We shouldn't hate anybody'

Carlson claimed to Huckabee that he has spoken to Christian clergy in Israel who have been spat upon by Israelis, which the ambassador denounced as "horrible," though he said neither he nor Israeli officials would endorse such behavior, which Huckabee said obviously emerges "from an evil heart."

Huckabee, who issued a statement commemorating Ramadan last week, asserted that Christians and others are allowed religious freedom in Israel, even if they are not necessarily applauded for preaching the Gospel. He acknowledged that Israeli law prohibits proselytizing minors to any religion or offering material benefits to induce someone to convert.

"Walk down to the Old City, you'll hear people out there preaching on the street," Huckabee said. "Now, are they effective? I don't know. I'm not sure that people are stopping and falling on their knees and saying, 'Oh, this is what I've been waiting for.' I don't know." He added that the freedom Israel offers is much greater than in neighboring countries.

"We shouldn't hate anybody," said Huckabee, who concluded by affirming that despite their tension, he feels no hate toward Carlson.

"I hope not," Carlson replied with a laugh.