Israeli settlers plan Charlie Kirk memorial in occupied West Bank

An Israeli council in the occupied West Bank has announced plans to install a memorial for right-wing American activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead in the US last week.

The conservative commentator was killed during a speaking event at the University of Utah on Wednesday.

His suspected killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was detained by police the following day after being turned in by his father. Robinson's motive for the murder remains unclear.

The head of the Samaria Regional Council, located in the occupied West Bank, on Sunday, said Kirk's associates and the US-based pro-settler organisation American Friends of Judea and Samaria will commemorate his life, calling him a "great lover of the State of Israel".

The council represents 35 illegal settlements in the north of the West Bank.

Kirk was one of the most popular figures on the American right and played a key role in Donald Trump's election win in 2024, with his organisation Turning Point USA rallying disenchanted youth to the Republican Party.

He also voiced support for Israel in its genocidal assault against the Palestinians in Gaza and denied the existence of the Palestinian people.

The controversial figure has, over the years, garnered widespread criticism, particularly over his Islamophobic rhetoric and speaking out against immigrants.

Kirk's killing was met with an immediate response from within Israel.

Israeli ministers sent out a wave of social media posts in the hours after his assassination.

A billboard in Tel Aviv showed him embracing US President Donald Trump in front of the American and Israeli flags.

A mural of Kirk with angel wings and a halo appeared in Ashdod within 24 hours of his death.

However, social media has been awash with conspiracy theories blaming Israel for his murder, forcing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to deny involvement in an interview on US network Newsmax.

Though traditionally supportive of Israel, several independent media sites have claimed that Kirk was increasingly at odds with his pro-Israel donors over the country's influence on American politics.

He reportedly came under significant pressure after hosting prominent right-wing Israel critics at his annual Student Action Summit in July.