Charlie Kirk Hated ‘Clampdown’ on Israel Criticism Before Death, Producer Says

Charlie Kirk was a tireless supporter of Israel who was irritated with what he saw as a “clampdown” on criticism of the country and its war against Hamas in the final months of his life, according to one close friend and colleague.

Andrew Kolvet, the executive producer of The Charlie Kirk Show, attempted to clarify how the slain conservative activist viewed Israel and other topics on Tuesday. Here is what Kolvet, during an appearance on Turning Point USA commentator Alex Clark’s podcast, said:

Charlie’s position on Israel was very clear — I like them more than I like Hamas. I just wish I was free to criticize Israel and not be labeled an anti-Semite. Because I can criticize my own government and not be called anti-American, but why do I have more freedom to do that, and not criticize a foreign government? And he was really upset that there was this sort of clampdown on the freedom of expression, freedom of ideas, free speech, when it came to a foreign government.

Kolvet added that Kirk felt he had “earned the right” as a “friend of the Jewish people” to call out Israel, without having to fear he would be labeled an anti-Semite.

“He felt like his bonafides in that respect were unassailable and that he should have the freedom to say ‘Hey, it’s time to end the war.’ Hey, it’s time to stop the killing,'” Kolvet said.

His comments come after a number of theories about Kirk and Israel have popped up since the TP USA founder was shot and killed on Sept. 10.

Candace Owens, for one, suggested Kirk was beginning to have “rational thoughts about Israel” in the months leading up to his death. She also claimed billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman was “very upset and threats were made” against Kirk for softening his pro-Israel stance.

Ackman, in response, said that is absurd and shared text messages where he and Kirk discussed grabbing dinner in New York City this fall.

Owens has moved on to claiming a “federal conspiracy” is behind Kirk’s killing, and others have noted in the meantime that Kirk was a staunch supporter of Israel. Kirk also started observing the Jewish sabbath towards the end of his life.

You can watch the full episode of Clark’s podcast on YouTube by clicking here. And you can watch Kolvet address Kirk’s views on Israel in the clip above.