TOP ISRAELI officials have paid tribute to their “steadfast friend”, the American conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, following his death.
Kirk, 31, was shot at a Utah Valley University event on Wednesday, with his close ally Donald Trump confirming his death in a post on his social media platform, where he described the right-winged activist as “legendary” and “loved by all”.
Videos posted to social media from the event showed Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong”, before a single shot is heard.
Kirk had often defended Israel’s actions in the war on Gaza following the October 7 attacks as he had previously suggested that Hamas was responsible for the shortages of aid due to looting.
In videos online Kirk regularly debated people over Palestine and it being recognised as a state as he argued it simply “didn’t exist” and that its people should just “join Jordan”.
Following Kirk’s death, Israel’s social media account posted on Twitter/X that his “fearless commitment to truth and freedom” had ultimately cost him his life.
The statement read: “Charlie Kirk was a steadfast friend of Israel and a true ally of the Jewish people.
“He stood proudly for the Judeo-Christian values that bind Israel and America.
“Charlie’s fearless commitment to truth and freedom cost him his life.
“Violence may have taken him, but it cannot silence his legacy.
“May his memory be a blessing.”
Kirk was a pro-Israel supporter and often debated the war in Gaza with college students and others in videos shared online.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that he had spoken with Kirk just two weeks prior to his death and that he had invited him to Israel.
Netanyahu went on to describe Kirk as a “lion-hearted friend” of the Jewish state, adding that “Sadly, that visit will not take place”.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is currently in the UK and visited Keir Starmer last night, condemned Kirk’s assassination.
“Israel has lost a true friend and huge ally,” he said.
“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.”
