Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday denounced speculation that Israel was tied to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling the allegation a “monstrous big lie.”

“Somebody has fabricated a monstrous big lie – that Israel had something to do with Charlie Kirk’s horrific murder,” Netanyahu said in a video message. “This is insane, it is false, it is outrageous.”

The Prime Minister said Kirk had sent him a supportive letter shortly before his death and stressed the activist’s longstanding affinity for Israel and the Jewish people. Netanyahu added that even when Kirk disagreed with him, he saw such differences as part of the democratic process.

“Now, if Charlie disagreed with a policy of mine or a decision here and there, not only did I not mind, I welcomed it,” he said. “This is the essence of Charlie, this is the essence of a free country.”

Netanyahu also suggested that Qatar may be funding the claims linking Israel to Kirk’s death. Earlier this month, Israel carried out a strike on Doha targeting Hamas’s political leadership, drawing criticism from the Trump administration, which objected to the attack on a US ally.

Kirk, a prominent Christian Zionist who often spoke about how visiting Israel deepened his faith, was shot dead last week during an event at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder and could face the death penalty. Prosecutors say Robinson confessed to the killing in a message to his transgender partner, citing anger at Kirk’s views.

The assassination has fueled debate within conservative circles. Commentators Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens both claimed Kirk had grown critical of Netanyahu and Israel’s war in Gaza, with Owens further alleging clashes with billionaire donor Bill Ackman. Ackman and Kirk’s producer Andrew Kolvet have dismissed those claims, with Ackman releasing text messages showing a cordial exchange with Kirk after their meeting.

Kirk’s funeral, set for Sunday, will feature remarks from President Donald Trump, Carlson, and other high-profile figures.

Meanwhile, ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night program following backlash over his comments about Charlie Kirk’s murder.

During a monologue, Kimmel accused Trump’s allies of trying to “capitalise on the murder” for political gain. The remarks drew sharp criticism, and the network pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! after affiliates raised objections and pressure mounted from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee.

Trump praised ABC’s decision on social media, calling it an act of “courage” and urging NBC to cancel shows hosted by Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers as well.

Kimmel has not responded publicly since the suspension.