“I’m a Christian. I want to know what you’re talking about,” Carlson added.
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“Where does my support for Israel come from? No. 1, because biblically we’re commanded to support Israel. But No. 2,” Cruz started before Carlson interrupted him again. Carlson said, “Hold on. You’re a senator, and now you’re throwing out theology. And I’m a Christian, and I am allowed to weigh in on this. We’re commanded as Christians to support the government of Israel?”
“We are commanded to support Israel,” said Cruz. “We’re told, ‘Those who bless Israel will be blessed.’” Carlson said, “Hold on. Define ‘Israel.’ This is important. Are you kidding? [The U.S.] is a majority Christian country.”
“Define Israel? Do you not know what Israel is?” Cruz said. “That would be the country you’ve asked like 49 questions about.”
“So that’s what God is talking about in Genesis?” Carlson pressed. “So is that the current borders, the current leadership? He’s talking about the political entity called Israel?”
“He’s talking about the nation of Israel,” Cruz replied. “Nations exist, and [God is] discussing a nation. A nation was the people of Israel.”
Carlson again asked if the modern state of Israel is the same “nation” God was referring to in Genesis. Cruz said, “Yes.” Carlson asked, “That country has existed since when?” Cruz replied, “For thousands of years.”
“Now, there was a time when it didn’t exist, and then it was recreated just over 70 years ago,” Cruz added.
“I think most people understand that line in Genesis to refer to the Jewish people, God’s chosen people,” Carlson said. Cruz replied, “That’s not what it says.”
“Okay, Israel. But you don’t even know where in the Bible it is,” Carlson said. Cruz replied, “I don’t remember the scriptural citation.” After some more back and forth, Cruz told Carlson, “Try to be a little less condescending.”
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“I’m not being condescending. You’re throwing this stuff out, and it’s my job to figure out what you’re talking about,” Carlson said.
