Tucker Carlson Accuses Chabad of Orchestrating Iran Conflict, Sparks Antisemitism Concerns

Recent claims by far-right media personality Tucker Carlson alleging the Chabad-Lubavitch movement is instigating the war in Iran have ignited a firestorm of criticism and raised concerns about rising antisemitism. Carlson’s accusations, made on his podcast on Wednesday, March 5, 2026, center around a conspiracy theory that Chabad aims to destroy the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and rebuild the Third Temple.

Carlson’s Baseless Claims

Carlson asserted that the current conflict is driven by a desire to destroy the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, ultimately leading to the reconstruction of the Third Temple. He specifically pointed to Chabad as a key player in this alleged scheme, stating, “This has been going on a long time in public through, in part, the efforts of a group called Chabad.” He presented images of IDF soldiers wearing patches depicting the Temple Mount as evidence, claiming these patches originated from Chabad. The Times of Israel reported on these claims.

Chabad’s Response and the Facts

Chabad, a Hasidic Jewish movement known for its global outreach and community centers, vehemently denies Carlson’s accusations. Yossi Farro, a Chabad member, described the claims as “the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard,” emphasizing that Chabad’s mission is focused on spreading Judaism, love, and kindness. The Times of Israel

Rabbi Yaacov Berman, a Chabad spokesperson, clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that the Temple Mount patches shown by Carlson did not originate from Chabad. He further explained that those who wear the patches often view them as symbols of faith, hope, and a yearning for peace. JFeed reported on this clarification.

the images Carlson shared were traced back to the Temple Institute, a Jerusalem-based nonprofit advocating for the rebuilding of the Temple, which is unaffiliated with Chabad. The Temple Institute posted similar images in January 2024, well before the escalation of the conflict in Iran. JFeed

Amplification of Conspiracy Theories and Rising Antisemitism

Carlson’s claims were amplified by right-wing commentator Candace Owens, who posted on X, “Tucker is telling the truth about the Chabad Lubavitch.” This amplification has contributed to a surge in antisemitic rhetoric and heightened security concerns for Jewish institutions. Cleveland Jewish News

These accusations follow a pattern of increasingly conspiratorial anti-Israel rhetoric from both Carlson, and Owens. Carlson previously faced condemnation for hosting avowed antisemite and white nationalist Nick Fuentes in October 2025. Cleveland Jewish News

The rhetoric as well occurs amidst a backdrop of attacks targeting Chabad celebrations, including a shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, in December, which resulted in 15 deaths, and an incident in January where a driver rammed a car into the Chabad-Lubavitch world headquarters in Brooklyn.

Context of the Iran Conflict

The accusations against Chabad coincide with a period of heightened tensions following recent strikes in Iran and a Congressional vote on a war powers resolution regarding President Trump’s military actions in the region. Public opinion on the military action in Iran is divided, with Republicans largely supportive and Democrats largely opposed.