ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday denied his country’s involvement in the murder of conservative American commentator Charlie Kirk, suggesting possible Qatari funding behind the rumors.

Kirk, a high-profile conservative activist and media personality was shot dead earlier in September, the influencer was pronounced dead shortly after graphic footage emerged of him being shot in the neck mid-speech at an open event at a college campus, with US President Donald Trump, announcing his departure in a Truth Social post.

Rumors began circulating across social media platforms after Kirk’s assassination, suggesting conspiracies of Israeli involvement in incident, which were promptly shut down by Netanyahu in a video message. “Somebody has fabricated a monstrous big lie, that Israel had something to do with Charlie Kirk’s horrific murder. This is insane. It is false. It is outrageous,” said Netanyahu.

“Charlie Kirk was a giant,” said the Israeli premier, “a once-in-a-century talent, who defended freedom, defended America, defended our common Judeo-Christian civilization, Charlie loved Israel, he loved the Jewish people, he told me so in a letter that he sent me just a few months ago.”

Netanyahu went on to suggest that Qatar might have a role to play in the rumors of Israeli involvement gaining steam. “Now, some are peddling these disgusting rumors, perhaps out of obsession, perhaps with Qatari funding,” said the Israeli prime minister.

Tensions between Israel and Qatar have risen in recent times, especially after Israeli strikes targeted Hamas’ leadership in the Qatari capital of Doha, killing at least six, including one member of Qatar’s security forces. The Israeli strikes prompted widespread international condemnations from regional and western countries alike.

“I say to Qatar and all nations who harbor terrorists, you either expel them or you bring them to justice. Because if you don’t, we will," Netanyahu said in a statement a day after the strike.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday visited Jerusalem, where he met with the Israeli premier to discuss the attacks on Qatar. Netanyahu, in a joint presser with Rubio, said that the strikes on Doha sent a “central message” to Hamas, namely that “you can run, you can hide, but we will get you.” 

Tyler Robinson, the prime suspect in conservative activist’s killing, was charged with murder on Tuesday, Utah County prosecutor Jeff Gray told a press conference.

Reading messages purportedly written by Robinson on his phone, Gray quoted the 22-year-old as saying "Why did I do it?... I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."