A fiery interview between U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson sparked headlines and theological debateafter Cruz cited Genesis 12:3 as his motivation for supporting modern-day Israel.

The nearly two-hour conversation covered a wide range of global topics, including Iran, Russia, and Syria. However, tensions escalated when Carlson questioned Cruz’s longstanding alliance with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), suggesting it acted as a lobbying arm for the Israeli government.

“That is not only not true, that is false,” Cruz responded, defending his record. According to OpenSecrets.org, Cruz has received over $1.8 million in donations from pro-Israel groups through 2024.

When Carlson pressed further, asking whether the Israeli government shapes AIPAC’s goals, Cruz pushed back sharply and accused Carlson of singling out Israel in a way that echoed antisemitic tropes.

“You’re not talking about Chinese, you’re not talking about Japanese… The question is: ‘What about the Jews?'” Cruz said.

Visibly upset, Carlson fired back, “Oh, so I’m an antisemite now?”

The two sparred over whether the critique was aimed at Jewish people or the political state of Israel, leading Carlson to clarify, “This has nothing to do with Jews or Judaism. It has to do with a foreign government.”

At the heart of the disagreement was Cruz’s assertion that his support for Israel is grounded in his Christian faith—specifically Genesis 12:3, where God tells Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.”

“As a Christian, growing up in Sunday school, I was taught from the Bible that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed,” Cruz said. “I want to be on the blessing side of things.”

Carlson challenged that interpretation, asking if the passage meant Christians must support the political government of Israel today. Cruz replied that most Christians see the verse as referring to the Jewish people, “God’s chosen people,” rather than a specific modern government.

When Carlson asked for the exact verse, Cruz stumbled briefly before defending the broader biblical context. “Biblically, we are commanded to support Israel,” Cruz said.

Carlson interrupted, “We’re commanded as Christians to support the government of Israel?” to which Cruz clarified, “No, I’m explaining my personal motivation. Not everyone I represent is a Christian, so I don’t use my faith as the reason we should support Israel.”

The interview quickly went viral, stirring discussion among theologians, political analysts, and faith leaders. Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman weighed in, saying, “The nation of Israel today comprises a people that pray in the same language, in the same places and with the same liturgy as in ancient times… This is the same nation of Israel referred to in the Bible.”

The conversation comes at a time when support for Israel among young Evangelicals in the U.S. is shifting. A study presented at Tel Aviv University earlier this year showed that support among Evangelicals under 30 dropped from 68 percent in 2018 to just over 33 percent in 2021.

While some Christians continue to view Israel as central to biblical prophecy and End Times theology, others are adopting different eschatological views and questioning the political implications of unwavering support.

For Cruz, however, the biblical mandate remains personal. “I want to be on the blessing side,” he reiterated—placing his defense of Israel not only in the political arena but at the heart of his faith.