Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Blamed "Islamists" For Charlie Kirk's Murder

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waded into the political storm surrounding the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, telling Fox News that the killing was part of a broader global problem tied to extremism and "radical Islamists."

In a televised appearance, before the suspect was identified as an American 22 year old man, Netanyahu described Kirk as a "once-in-a-generation" figure who had devoted his life to defending what he called "our common Judeo-Christian civilization." He praised Kirk for standing firm in his beliefs and inviting debate without ever inviting violence, and he expressed sorrow over the growing wave of political attacks that have rattled leaders around the world.

"Whether it's President Trump, who's been almost assassinated twice, or they tried to kill me here too. But they got Charlie Kirk, and it's just heartbreaking," Netanyahu said on Fox's The Faulkner Focus.

Netanyahu's tribute was not limited to personal condolences. He also offered a controversial theory about who bears responsibility for Kirk's assassination. He also said, "This is a worldwide problem. The people on the extremes, the Islamists ... the radical Islamists and their union with the ultra-progressives, they often speak about human rights. They speak about free speech. But they use violence to try to take down their enemies."

The comments have sparked criticism because investigators have not yet established a motive for Kirk's murder. Tyler Robinson, 22, was identified as the primary suspect, but authorities have not connected him to Islamist movements or progressive groups.

Outlets such as The New Republic highlighted Netanyahu's remarks as speculative and "unhinged," noting the absence of evidence tying the shooting to the forces he described. The magazine also called his comments "rich" as the controversial escalation of the conflict in Gaza under his leadership has been responsible for the deaths of thousands.

His comments echo President Donald Trump's statements regarding the matter. Appearing on the network on Friday morning, he was asked about how to fix the country by "Fox & Friends" co-host Ainsley Earhardt. Trump responded, "Radicals on the right are radical because they don't want to see crime. They don't want to see crime, worried about the border ... The radicals on the left are the problem ... they're vicious and they're horrible and they're politically savvy."

The Israeli prime minister's comments came just days after Kirk's death at Utah Valley University on September 10, when gunfire erupted during an event hosted by Turning Point USA, the organization he founded.

Videos circulating on social media showed chaos breaking out on campus as students fled the scene. Kirk's death has fueled anger and grief among conservative groups in the United States, with Republican politicians calling for a deeper investigation into the political climate that may have contributed to the attack.

You can watch the full interview here.