Unearthed 2014 video shows TikTok’s new US owner Larry Ellison voicing strong support for 'Israel'

A recently surfaced video from Nov. 6, 2014, captures Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison discussing his longstanding support for 'Israel'.

In the video, Ellison reflects on the historical significance of 'Israel' for Jewish people, saying, “For 2,000 years we were stateless people and now we have a country of our own defended by all the brave men and women of the IDF. Anything we can do to support them, who devote their lives to preserving the state of Israel… I feel a deep emotional connection to the state of Israel and the Israeli people.”

Ellison also praised 'Israel’s' tech ecosystem, comparing Herzliya, a major hub of innovation in 'Israel', to Silicon Valley. “After Silicon Valley, Herzliya probably has more startups than any other place in the world,” he said.

Ellison noted Oracle’s acquisition of multiple 'Israeli' companies and pointed out that two of Oracle’s CEOs, including Safra Catz, were 'Israeli'-born, emphasizing the company’s ties to the region.

Additionally, the interview touched on the international criticism of 'Israel's' military operations in the 2014 Gaza War, Ellison acknowledged the complexity of conducting operations near civilians but defended the Israeli Occupation Forces’ (IOF) efforts to minimize civilian casualties.

“There were tragic tragedies… that’s a terrible thing, but one thing we know for certain is that the Israeli Army did everything they could to minimize civilian casualties. They’ve done a much better job than a lot of other armies all over the world throughout history,” he said.

Read more: US TikTok algorithm to be secured by Oracle, White House confirms

The White House confirmed this week that the long-debated forced sale of TikTok in the United States will soon be completed, with a consortium led by Ellison poised to take control.

The deal includes oversight of US user data and direct influence over the platform’s recommendation algorithm, which officials say will be “retrained.”

Ellison has steadily expanded his influence in media. His holdings already span major outlets such as CBS, Paramount, MTV, Comedy Central, Showtime, Nickelodeon, Channel 10 in Australia, and Channel 5 in the UK. Industry observers expect him to finalize control over Warner Bros. Discovery, which includes CNN, HBO, and the Discovery Channel, before the end of 2025.

Critics argue the pending TikTok acquisition is already reshaping the platform. Content critical of 'Israel', and even of the sale itself, has faced heightened moderation in recent weeks. Analysts warn that this signals the app’s alignment with its new ownership before the deal is fully sealed.

Reports also suggest that Fox, owned by Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, is seeking to join Ellison’s consortium, potentially opening the door for cross-promotion between TikTok and Fox properties.

Public opinion in the US continues to shift on Middle East policy. Recent surveys show that 60 percent of Americans disapprove of 'Israel’s' actions in Gaza, compared to just 32 percent who approve. The heightened polarization underscores why control of major communication platforms has become a central point of political contention.