Israel will bomb Al-Aqsa and will blame it on Iran, claims US commentator

WASHINGTON: U.S. political commentator Tucker Carlson has sparked fresh controversy after circulating a video he claims shows an Israeli rabbi discussing a hypothetical missile strike on the Al‑Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and blaming the attack on Iran. The clip, widely shared on social media, has fueled debate about misinformation, religious tensions, and the escalating geopolitical crisis in the Middle East.

Carlson amplifies controversial clip

On his online show, Carlson aired a short video that he said featured Israeli rabbi Yosef Mizrachi allegedly describing a scenario in which a missile strike on Al-Aqsa could be attributed to Iran. The segment was framed as evidence of what Carlson suggested could be a “false flag” scenario amid growing regional tensions.

The clip rapidly circulated on platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook, with some users claiming it showed evidence of a deliberate plot to destroy one of Islam’s holiest sites. However, the context, authenticity, and interpretation of the remarks remain disputed.

Jewish groups reject the claims

Jewish organizations and commentators quickly pushed back against Carlson’s broader assertions that Jewish religious groups seek the destruction of Islamic holy sites to build a “Third Temple.”

A report by the Chabad‑Lubavitch movement said Carlson’s comments about Jewish groups plotting to destroy Al-Aqsa were false and misleading, stressing that the movement does not advocate violence or political efforts to demolish the mosque.

Scholars and Jewish leaders also noted that traditional Jewish teachings about rebuilding the Temple refer to a future messianic era of peace, not a violent project carried out by modern governments or militant actions.

Wider political backlash

Carlson’s remarks come amid already heightened rhetoric surrounding the Israel-Iran confrontation and U.S. foreign policy in the region.

Israeli officials and commentators have accused the broadcaster of spreading inflammatory claims and conspiracy theories about Jewish institutions and Israel’s motivations in the conflict.

Critics argue that such allegations risk inflaming religious tensions around the Temple Mount compound—known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif—which houses both the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.

A sensitive flashpoint

The Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa compound is one of the most sensitive religious sites in the world.

• Muslims regard Al-Aqsa as Islam’s third-holiest site.

• Jews consider the area the location of the ancient Jewish temples.

Because of its symbolic importance, speculation about attacks on the site often triggers widespread outrage and unrest across the Middle East.

Unverified claims and online amplification

At present, there is no independent confirmation that any real plan exists to attack Al-Aqsa Mosque or stage a false-flag operation. The video circulated by Carlson and others remains the subject of dispute regarding context and interpretation.

Analysts say the episode illustrates how viral clips and commentary from high-profile media figures can rapidly shape narratives during periods of geopolitical crisis—especially when religious symbolism and ongoing wars intersect.