Numerous Israeli officials gave their condolences and condemned the assassination of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that he had spoken to Kirk two weeks ago and invited him to Israel, describing him as a "lion-hearted friend" of the Jewish state. "Sadly, that visit will not take place," he said.
"Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom," he added in a post on X/Twitter. "He fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization. We lost an incredible human being. His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact. Rest in peace."
Netanyahu's son, Yair, said that Kirk "recognized that our shared Judeo-Christian civilization is under existential threat from both radical Islam and the radical left."
Israeli President Isaac Herzog lamented the assassination, stating that, "Israel has lost a true friend and huge ally. I strongly condemn this terrible act of violence, and together with all the Israeli people, send my thoughts and prayers to Charlie’s wife, children, and all his loved ones."
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said, "I never had the privilege of meeting Charlie Kirk, but I had the privilege of knowing him. Like many millions around the world, I enjoyed listening to his reasoned explanations, his clear thinking, and his ironclad arguments with which he fought for the entire free world," he added.
Israeli politicians say Charlie Kirk was targeted for defending truth and Israel
"The collusion between the global Left and radical Islam is the greatest danger to humanity today," National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said in his own statement regarding Kirk's assassination. "Charlie Kirk saw the danger and warned about it. But the bullets of the despicable murderer struck him. Thank you, Charlie, for your support of Israel and for your struggle for a better world."
Transportation Minister Miri Regev commented that Kirk was murdered "only because the propaganda machine couldn't handle him. Charlie was a true friend and one of Israel's biggest supporters. He raised a brave voice and fought lies for the sake of truth and justice."
Education Minister Yoav Kisch said that Kirk's murder "is the direct result of the dangerous incitement taking place on US campuses. "
Energy Minister Eli Cohen said that Kirk's "important voice will continue to resonate forever."
Blue and White Chairman MK Benny Gantz, before the official announcement of Kirk's death, announced that "The vile and despicable shooting of Charlie Kirk, unwavering friend of Israel, in Utah is a harrowing reminder of how violence threatens democracies."
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said that the political commentator's voice, "influenced many young people in the US and left an indelible mark on an entire generation."
Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar spoke on the assassination, stating that, "Only vile cowards, incapable of confronting the truth, resort to such deeds and commit cold-blooded murder. We must continue to fight for the truth and amplify the important voices that Charlie raised against the web of lies spread by antisemitic haters of Israel."