Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday expressed deep grief over the passing of US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina who was a staunch advocate for Israel. Graham died on Saturday evening after a brief and sudden illness, his office confirmed on Sunday.
Netanyahu's Tribute to a Dear Friend
In a post on X, Netanyahu recalled Graham as a cherished friend and a great ally of Israel. He stated, "Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham. In our recent meeting, I said, 'Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine. We have no better friend than Lindsey.'" Netanyahu emphasized that Graham understood the inseparable security of Israel and America, and devoted his life to defending the US, strengthening the alliance, and standing up for the free world. He concluded, "Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend."
Graham's Stance on West Asia Crisis
Senator Graham had been vocal about supporting Israel's military operations. In May 2026, he stated that any potential deal with Tehran in the West Asia crisis must not handcuff Israel's ability to act against Hamas and Hezbollah. He said, "On a separate front, it is my belief that we must allow Israel to neutralise the threats the country faces from constant Hezbollah attacks emanating from Lebanon. There are parts of Israel that are uninhabitable because of Hezbollah missile and rocket fire."
Health Issues Plague US Politicians
Graham's death comes amid a series of health-related incidents among US politicians. On July 6, former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was hospitalized. Representative Thomas H. Kean Jr. missed 117 days and over 100 House votes due to depression treatment. Representative Kay Granger missed months of votes due to dementia issues, as reported by her son. Questions have also been raised about President Donald Trump's cognitive fitness after several verbal missteps. Trump has threatened a lawsuit against the New York Times over a journalist's comments on his health.
Graham's Legacy and Impact
Netanyahu expressed hope that Graham's values and initiatives would continue to guide toward victory and peace, saying, "May his memory forever be a blessing." The Graham family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
