Candace Owens on Israel has become one of the most divisive topics within right-wing political circles, particularly following her declaration that Israel is “not a beacon of democracy” but rather a “cult nation”. Despite her rise to prominence as a Black conservative commentator and MAGA supporter with millions of followers across social media platforms, Owens has emerged as a vocal critic of Israel and U.S. support for the Jewish state. Her stance has gained attention specifically after Israel’s military response to the October 7 Hamas attack, which killed more than 1,100 people.
Furthermore, Owens has positioned herself at the center of a growing ideological rift among conservatives. While support for Israel has traditionally been an enduring feature of the American right, Owens represents a new wave of right-leaning voices who openly oppose Israel and have been accused of leaning into antisemitism. This controversy has been highlighted recently amid tensions following Charlie Kirk’s assassination, after which some MAGA supporters baselessly claimed involvement by Mossad, Israel’s foreign intelligence service. Additionally, her public feuds with former colleagues like Ben Shapiro and her departure from conservative platforms demonstrate how her views on Israel have transformed her political relationships and media presence.
Candace Owens on Israel and Support for Palestinians
Candace Owens controversial stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict represents a significant departure from traditional conservative positions. Throughout 2023 and into 2024, her increasingly vocal criticisms of Israel have generated substantial backlash from former allies in right-wing media circles.
Calling Israel a ‘cult nation’
In October 2023, Owens ignited a firestorm when she declared Israel “not a beacon of democracy” and instead labeled it a “cult nation.” This provocative characterization came amid her growing criticism of U.S. financial support for Israel. Owens argued that American taxpayers should question why billions of dollars flow to Israel annually. She has consistently positioned herself against what she terms “Zionist influence,” claiming that political careers depend on unwavering support for Israel regardless of its actions.
Claims of indiscriminate violence in Gaza
Owens has repeatedly condemned what she describes as Israel’s disproportionate military response in Gaza. Since the October 2023 Hamas attack, she has used her platforms to highlight Palestinian civilian casualties, especially children. Her social media accounts frequently feature images and stories of Palestinian suffering, which she attributes directly to Israeli military operations. Moreover, she has questioned Israel’s stated objectives in the conflict, suggesting the goal extends beyond self-defense to territorial expansion.
Candace Owens support for Palestinian rights and dignity
Despite accusations of antisemitism from critics, Owens maintains that her position stems from humanitarian concerns rather than anti-Jewish sentiment. She frequently frames her advocacy for Palestinians in religious terms, citing Christian values of compassion and justice. In contrast to many conservative commentators, Owens has expressed sympathy for the Palestinian cause, arguing that their dignity and rights deserve recognition.
Her stance has found support among a subset of right-wing voices who question America’s close relationship with Israel. Nonetheless, this position has cost Owens professionally, as evidenced by her departure from The Daily Wire in March 2024. This separation came after months of tension with colleagues, especially Ben Shapiro, over her increasingly vocal criticisms of Israel and Zionism.
Challenging Zionist Influence in Media and Politics
At the center of Owens criticism lies her assertion that media coverage of Israel benefits from systematic bias. In September 2025, she claimed her YouTube channel was temporarily suspended because “Zionists” flagged an interview with Kanye West that included statements about Jewish control of media. YouTube subsequently confirmed her week-long suspension, citing “repeated violations” of their policies.
Accusations of media bias
Owens has repeatedly suggested that mainstream outlets deliberately shield Israel from criticism. After leaving Daily Wire earlier this year amid conflict with Ben Shapiro over Israel, she intensified these claims. Consequently, she characterized AIPAC as “owning American policy” and questioned whether American soldiers were dying for Israeli interests.
Claims of narrative control by Zionists
Perhaps most controversially, Owens has echoed traditional antisemitic tropes about Jewish influence. She has suggested Jews control media and global economic systems, defending similar statements made by Kanye West. In July 2024, she claimed that voices critical of Israel “have to be shut up”, insinuating a coordinated effort to silence opposition.
Comparison to post-9/11 Muslim portrayal
Notably, Owens draws parallels between current Palestinian representation and post-9/11 Muslim portrayal in American media. She has expressed regret for not recognizing the injustice Muslims faced following September 11th, suggesting the demonization was “not an accident” but rather “the result of deliberate choices made by powerful interests”. This perspective has alienated traditional allies yet resonated with others questioning America’s relationship with Israel.
In recent developments, Owens ignited controversy by alleging that hedge fund manager Bill Ackman staged an “intervention” for Charlie Kirk regarding his Israel criticism—claims vigorously denied by all parties involved.
Religious Identity and the Clash with Conservative Norms
The religious dimension of Owens criticisms has transformed her Israel stance into a theological battleground, eventually leading to her departure from The Daily Wire.
Christian values vs political Zionism
Owens grounds her critiques of Israel in biblical references, often highlighting Palestinian Christians killed in Gaza. In October 2023, after Israeli artillery hit a church in Gaza City, she tweeted: “Respectfully, if you think it’s antisemitism to notice that innocent Christians were killed in an IDF bombing, then you need to log off of the internet and have your brain examined.” Her perspective positions Christianity against what she perceives as political Zionism’s demands for unwavering support.
Feud with Ben Shapiro and religious framing
The tension escalated when Owens posted biblical verses, including “You cannot serve both God and money,” interpreted by many as an antisemitic dig at Shapiro. He responded publicly: “Candace, if you feel that taking money from The Daily Wire somehow comes between you and God, by all means quit.” Owens countered that Shapiro was “utterly out of line for suggesting that I cannot quote biblical scripture,” adding “Christ is King”—a phrase associated with white nationalist Nick Fuentes and his followers, though Owens denies this connection.
Owens use of scripture in political debates
Throughout her controversies, Owens has increasingly framed political disagreements in spiritual terms. During her conversion to Catholicism in 2024, she described history as “a holy war being waged against goodness.” This religious positioning has alienated traditional conservative allies yet attracted praise from far-right figures who approve of her scriptural framing of anti-Israel sentiment.
The Cost and Consequences of Speaking Out
The professional fallout from Owens controversial stance on Israel has been swift and significant. In March 2024, The Daily Wire officially severed ties with Owens after months of tension related to her increasingly vocal antisemitic rhetoric. Jeremy Boreing, CEO of The Daily Wire, announced her departure amid growing concerns about her inflammatory statements.
Losing platforms and conservative allies
Owens feud with Ben Shapiro became public after she posted biblical verses, including “You cannot serve both God and money,” interpreted as an antisemitic dig at her Jewish colleague. Shapiro responded directly: “If you feel that taking money from The Daily Wire somehow comes between you and God, by all means, quit”. This exchange marked the culmination of deteriorating relationships with former allies, including Charlie Kirk, who previously welcomed her into conservative circles at Turning Point USA.
Praise from far-right figures
Simultaneously, Owens positions have earned praise from figures on the far right. Her controversial stances received support from Tucker Carlson, who compared her to Galileo. Her commentary about Jewish influence in Hollywood and Washington also resonated with individuals promoting antisemitic viewpoints.
Public perception and polarization
Indeed, Owens has embraced her divisive reputation, describing herself as “the most controversial black woman in America”. Although fired from The Daily Wire, she maintains an enormous platform with over 5 million followers on both X and Instagram, plus 2 million YouTube subscribers.
Her future on YouTube and independent media
Following her departure, Owens quickly established an independent YouTube channel that attracted 3.8 million subscribers by February 2025. Currently facing legal challenges, including a lawsuit from French President Emmanuel Macron regarding her unsubstantiated claims about his wife, Owens continues producing content independently.
Curious about where other celebrities and media personalities stand on major global issues? Explore more profiles here.
Final Thoughts
Recent controversies further highlight Candace Owens willingness to defy conservative orthodoxy. Following Charlie Kirk’s assassination in September 2025, Owens made explosive claims that billionaire Bill Ackman had staged an “intervention” regarding Kirk’s “shifting stance” on Israel. She alleged Kirk was “surrounded by his friends” in a meeting where “threats were made” and claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally called Kirk.
Both Ackman and others vehemently denied these accusations. Ackman stated, “At no time have I ever threatened Charlie Kirk, Turning Point, or anyone associated with him”. Kirk’s pastor, Rob McCoy, likewise rebuked Owens, noting that Kirk “never spoke poorly of her though he disagreed with her” and “would never have treated Candace or her family in such a way”.
Throughout her career shifts, Owens has maintained an impressive digital footprint with over 5 million followers each on X and Instagram, plus 2 million YouTube subscribers. Notwithstanding platform changes, her audience remains loyal.
Presently, Owens faces a defamation lawsuit for spreading false claims about French First Lady Brigitte Macron. Lately, she has even distanced herself from Trump, calling him “a chronic disappointment” and expressing embarrassment for supporting him.
After years of controversy, Owens continues generating headlines while maintaining her core audience—proving her media savvy exceeds any single political alignment or platform.
FAQs
Who is Candace Owens, and why is she controversial on Israel?
Candace Owens is a Black conservative commentator and MAGA supporter known for her outspoken views. She has become controversial for her criticisms of Israel, calling it a “cult nation” and opposing U.S. financial support for the country, which has put her at odds with traditional conservative circles.
What did Candace Owens mean by calling Israel a “cult nation”?
In October 2023, Owens described Israel as “not a beacon of democracy” but instead a “cult nation.” She used this phrase to highlight her belief that political loyalty to Israel in the U.S. is enforced at the expense of open debate.
How has Candace Owens criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza?
Owens has accused Israel of disproportionate military responses in Gaza, frequently posting about Palestinian civilian casualties and questioning whether Israel’s objectives extend beyond self-defense toward territorial expansion.
Is Candace Owens antisemitic?
Owens denies being antisemitic, claiming her stance is rooted in humanitarian and Christian values. However, critics accuse her of amplifying antisemitic tropes, particularly when she references Jewish influence in media, politics, and finance.
Why did Candace Owens leave The Daily Wire?
Owens left The Daily Wire in March 2024 after escalating tensions with Ben Shapiro and other colleagues over her increasingly vocal criticism of Israel and Zionism.
What role does religion play in Owens stance on Israel?
Owens grounds her critiques in Christian scripture, often referencing biblical teachings when condemning Israel’s actions. Her use of phrases like “Christ is King” has drawn controversy, with critics accusing her of aligning with far-right figures, though she denies such associations.
How have conservative figures responded to Owens Israel stance?
Reactions have been divided: Ben Shapiro and Charlie Kirk distanced themselves, while figures like Tucker Carlson have praised her courage to challenge mainstream narratives.
What accusations has Owens made about Zionist influence?
Owens has claimed that Zionist groups and individuals attempt to silence critics by controlling narratives in politics and media. This includes alleging that her YouTube channel was temporarily suspended due to “Zionist” pressure.
What was Candace Owens feud with Ben Shapiro about?
The feud escalated when Owens quoted scripture interpreted as a jab at Shapiro, who accused her of antisemitism. Owens countered that quoting the Bible should not be considered antisemitic, further deepening their rift.
How has Owens career changed after criticizing Israel?
Despite losing her platform at The Daily Wire, Owens has grown independently, attracting millions of subscribers on YouTube and maintaining large followings on X and Instagram. Her stance has cost her professional alliances but gained her new audiences.
What recent controversies involve Owens and Israel?
After Charlie Kirk’s assassination in 2025, Owens claimed that billionaire Bill Ackman staged an “intervention” over Kirk’s Israel stance, allegations denied by all parties involved. She continues to make provocative claims that fuel ongoing controversy.
Does Candace Owens support Palestinians?
Yes. Owens frames her position as support for Palestinian dignity and human rights. She frequently highlights Palestinian suffering and argues that U.S. policy should reconsider unconditional aid to Israel.