An Explosive Claim Against Israel’s Strategic Judgment

While Ben Shapiro is frequently in the headlines—critiquing culture, politics, and public figures—one of his most striking moments came not from domestic politics, but from a comment on international affairs. Speaking on his radio program, Shapiro declared that barring Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. Rashida Tlaib from entering Israel was a “PR blunder”—a “very not smart move” by the Israeli government.

He argued Israel played directly into the lawmakers’ hands, allowing them to paint the country as intolerant and thus granting them a powerful propaganda victory. In his words:

Israel made a [sic]… It is a very not smart move by Israel.”On a PR level, it’s a big mistake.”

That blunt assessment grabbed attention, as Shapiro—typically seen as staunchly supportive of Israeli policy—uncharacteristically criticized one of its official decisions as gravely misguided.

Context Behind the Criticism

Shapiro’s statement came in the heated wake of a decision by Israel to prohibit Reps. Omar and Tlaib—both prominent members of the U.S. “Squad”—from visiting the country. Prime Minister Netanyahu justified the ban by accusing them of intending to disrupt peace and incite public animosity.

Shapiro viewed this decision as a miscalculation rooted in public relations failure, rather than a sound strategic move. His critique underscores his belief that defending Israel requires not only moral clarity, but also savvy communication—and in this scenario, he found the government lacking.

A Broader Pattern: Shapiro’s Branding of “Mistakes”

GIGANTIC MISTAKE” might conjure other moments in Shapiro’s public life, such as his abrupt exit from a grilling by BBC’s Andrew Neil. During the interview, Shapiro abruptly terminated the segment, calling it a “waste of time”—only to later admit he had been unprepared and overreacted.While not exactly phrased as a “gigantic mistake,” it was an admission of being taken off guard and mishandling a public appearance.

Similarly, in 2018 he decried the firing of director James Gunn by Disney over old, objectionable tweets as both a “bad precedent” and “a mistake,” decrying the no-limits nature of outrage culture.

Yet, the critique of Israel’s diplomatic choice marks a notable shift—targeting foreign policy where Shapiro rarely finds fault.

Dissecting the Claim

Domestic vs. International Critique

Shapiro’s outspoken concern over media tactics in domestic debate is well-known. But his blunt assessment of Israel suggests a willingness to depart from partisan alignment when he deems the messaging strategically flawed.

Diplomacy and Narrative Control

By labeling Israel’s move as a “big mistake,” Shapiro underscores a worldview where international posture must anticipate narrative consequences. He feared the ban empowered its critics, granting them ammunition to claim Israel is suppressing dissent—an argument that might outweigh policy considerations.

Reactions and Responsibilities

This moment also illustrates how carefully public communication can backfire—even for a state seeking to assert security interests. Whether one agrees with Omar and Tlaib’s positions or not, Shapiro sees the ban as counterproductive messaging.

Final Thoughts: Strategic Missteps and Messaging Matters

When Ben Shapiro calls something agigantic mistake,” it’s often tied not only to principle—but to the optics surrounding it. His rare critique of Israel’s refusal to admit controversial American lawmakers reflects his belief in anticipating political fallout before it happens.

It’s a reminder that for commentators like Shapiro, narrative control isn’t an afterthought—it’s central. And no figure or nation is exempt if the messaging misfires.