Tel aviv: Conservative US podcaster Tucker Carlson was reportedly detained by Israeli security officials shortly after his interview with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, according to the Daily Mail. Carlson had traveled to Tel Aviv for a conversation with Huckabee, who had invited him for an in-person discussion following an online dispute over Israel’s treatment of Christians.

According to Anadolu Agency, the incident occurred when Israeli airport security confiscated the group’s passports and questioned Carlson’s executive producer separately. Carlson recounted to the outlet that individuals identifying as airport security personnel demanded details about their conversation with Ambassador Huckabee. Carlson described the situation as unusual and confirmed that they have since left the country.

A spokesperson from the US Embassy in Israel countered the detention claims, stating that Carlson went through routine passport control, a procedure common to numerous visitors to Israel, including Ambassador Huckabee and other diplomats.

The Daily Mail reported that inquiries were made to both the White House and the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for comments, but no immediate responses were provided.