Jerry Seinfeld reignites Israel-Gaza row after the comedian's three-word response to Palestine activist goes viral

Kick streamer FinesseFave, who was broadcasting live at the time, approached Mr Seinfeld and called out: "What up, Seinfeld? Can we get a free Palestine?"

The comedian laughed before delivering a blunt three-word response: "It doesn't exist."

Footage of the exchange rapidly spread across social media, accumulating thousands of views on X.

The clip was shared by Jackson Hinkle, a prominent anti-Israel commentator.

He captioned the post: "Seinfeld supports GENOCIDE".

Viewers were quick to take to the comments section to share their thoughts on the viral video.

One viewer wrote: "Entertainers' opinions don't matter. His job is to perform on stage for an audience."

Another referred to Mr Seinfeld as "the scum of the earth".

A third commented: "Poor sad man. He was and remains an idiot. Displaying completely unnecessary mediocrity. Tragic."

However, many users supported the comedian's response.

Seinfeld supports GENOCIDE https://t.co/caOizXYbIe

— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinkle) June 11, 2026

One person wrote on X: "He did not utter one word about genocide."

Another wrote: "He is 100 per cent correct."

"Anyone supporting the 'free Palestine' movement is mentally deranged!! I love Jerry!" penned a third.

The exchange marked the latest in a series of confrontations between Mr Seinfeld and pro-Palestinian activists since the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023.

Shortly after those events, the comedian posted a statement on Instagram explaining his connection to the country.

"I lived and worked on a Kibbutz in Israel when I was 16, and I have loved our Jewish homeland ever since," he wrote.

"We survive and flourish no matter what.

"I will always stand with Israel and the Jewish people."

In December 2023, Mr Seinfeld travelled to Tel Aviv to demonstrate solidarity with Israelis.

During his visit, he toured the devastated Kibbutz Be'eri, spent time with survivors of the attacks, and met with relatives of hostages being held in Gaza at Hostages Square.

Mr Seinfeld's most controversial remarks on the subject came during a surprise appearance at Duke University last September, where he introduced freed Israeli hostage Omer Shem Tov.

Addressing the audience, the comedian declared: "Free Palestine is, to me, just you're free to say you don't like Jews. Just say you don't like Jews."

He then drew a comparison with white supremacist groups, stating: "Compared to the Ku Klux Klan, I'm actually thinking the Klan is actually a little better here because they can come right out and say, 'We don't like Blacks, we don't like Jews.' OK, that's honest."

The comments prompted criticism from some Duke students and a Democratic North Carolina state senator who had also spoken at the event.

In 2024, approximately 100 Duke graduates staged a walkout during their graduation ceremony to protest Mr Seinfeld delivering the commencement address.

The Madison Square Garden incident was not the comedian's first dismissive encounter with activists seeking his endorsement of Palestinian causes.

Earlier this year, internet personality Subway DJ approached the comedian outside Radio City Music Hall and said "Free Palestine" while attempting to take a selfie.

Mr Seinfeld replied: "I don't care about Palestine."

The entertainer has also faced disruptions during his live performances.

During a 2024 tour date in Australia, a heckler began chanting that Palestine would be free, prompting Mr Seinfeld to respond sarcastically.

"We have a genius, ladies and gentlemen. He solved the Middle East," he told the crowd.

As security escorted the protester from the venue, he added: "It's a comedy show, you moron. Get out of here."