Candace Owens – I’d Rather Saw off My Foot Than Support Israel. Candace Owens’ Fiery Rhetoric on Israel: Dividing Opinions in a Polarized Debate

Conservative commentator Candace Owens has never shied away from controversy, but her recent declaration—”I’d rather saw off my own foot than support Israel”—has ignited a firestorm across political and social media landscapes. Uttered in a heated discussion amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the quote encapsulates Owens’ escalating criticisms of the Jewish state, which she has labeled a “demonic nation” committing acts akin to a “holocaust” in Gaza. This statement, amplified through viral YouTube clips and X posts, reflects a dramatic shift from her earlier pro-Israel leanings to outright condemnation, prompting both fervent support and vehement backlash. As debates rage over free speech, antisemitism, and U.S. foreign policy, Owens’ words highlight deeper fissures in American conservatism and broader discourse on the Middle East. Owens’ evolution on Israel began gaining traction post-October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, but her rhetoric intensified in 2024-2025. Previously aligned with pro-Israel conservatives at The Daily Wire, she clashed with co-founder Ben Shapiro over her assertion that “no government has a right to commit genocide,” implicitly targeting Israel’s Gaza operations.

This led to her departure from the outlet in March 2024, amid accusations of antisemitism. Owens has since accused Israel of “terrorist” actions, compared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler, and alleged “secret Jewish gangs” in Hollywood committing “horrific things.” She has also claimed rabbis bribe pastors to silence critics and suggested Israel harbors pedophiles as a “safe haven.” In interviews, like one with Piers Morgan, she stated she’d prefer her sons go to jail than fight for Israel, framing U.S. involvement as risking World War III for foreign interests. Owens defends her positions as principled critiques of policy, not hatred, emphasizing free speech rights to oppose any nation. Supporters of Owens’ stance argue that her bold language exposes uncomfortable truths about U.S. foreign policy and Israel’s actions, fostering necessary dialogue in a censored environment. Pro-Palestinian activists and anti-war conservatives praise her for challenging the “Israel lobby’s” influence, viewing her as a whistleblower against alleged atrocities in Gaza. On platforms like Reddit’s r/Gaza, users applaud her for highlighting what they call a “holocaust,” aligning with global protests against civilian casualties.

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Figures like Tucker Carlson and Theo Von have echoed similar sentiments, questioning unwavering U.S. support for Israel amid domestic priorities. Owens’ defenders, including some Black conservatives, frame her views as anti-imperialist, drawing parallels to historical oppressions and rejecting accusations of antisemitism as smears to silence dissent. In a podcast with Stephen A. Smith, she articulated fears of escalation into WWIII, resonating with isolationists who prioritize “America First.” Her free speech advocacy, as posted on Facebook, underscores that criticizing Israel shouldn’t equate to hate speech, a point echoed by civil liberties groups wary of overbroad antisemitism definitions. For these proponents, Owens’ “saw off my foot” hyperbole is rhetorical flair, not malice, amplifying a critique shared by millions disillusioned with endless foreign aid. Conversely, critics decry Owens’ rhetoric as dangerous antisemitism veiled as policy critique, arguing it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines U.S. alliances. Jewish organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) have chronicled her trajectory, labeling her an “Antisemite of the Year” for 2024 and accusing her of trafficking in conspiracy theories about Jewish control.

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The Zionist Organization of America and others condemn her for dehumanizing Israelis as “demons” and falsely equating Gaza operations with the Holocaust, which they say trivializes Jewish suffering. Conservative outlets like the American Enterprise Institute call her “hateful,” suggesting her shift aligns opportunistically with algorithms favoring controversy. Israeli media and groups like Ohr Torah Stone rebuff her bribery claims as baseless, while Honest Reporting accuses her of flip-flopping for clicks. Pro-Israel conservatives, including Shapiro, argue her views fracture the right, alienating key allies and echoing far-left tropes. Amid rising antisemitic incidents, critics warn her influence—bolstered by millions of followers—fuels online hate, as seen in ADL reports on Iran-Israel escalations.

Even neutral observers question her factual accuracy, like claims about Israel’s extradition policies, seen as distortions. The divide over Owens’ Israel stance mirrors broader American polarization, where free speech collides with hate speech boundaries. Her firing from Daily Wire and subsequent independent ventures suggest career resilience, yet alienate traditional conservative bases. Supporters see her as a truth-teller; detractors, a demagogue. As the Israel-Hamas war persists, Owens’ words—hyperbolic as they are—continue to provoke, challenging audiences to discern critique from bigotry. Whether this bolsters or hinders her platform remains to be seen, but it undeniably amplifies a contentious global conversation.

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