Israeli politicians reacted in mourning to the death of Senator Lindsey Graham Sunday morning. The South Carolina senator was 71 when his office announced his passing of a “brief and sudden illness.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eulogized Graham in a lengthy X post, naming him as one of Israel’s “greatest friends.” Netanyahu stated: “America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”
Netanyahu continued: “Our hearts are with Lindsey’s family and with the American people at this difficult time. May his values and initiatives continue to guide us toward victory and peace, and may his memory forever be a blessing.”
Saddened reaction to the late South Carolina senator’s passing was bipartisan. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid called the late senator “first and foremost a friend,” adding that, “his warmth, humor and energy will be deeply missed.” He continued, Lindsey had unwavering moral clarity, a deep devotion to the people of Israel and a clear vision for a secure and peaceful Middle East.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz said Lindsey Graham was “a true friend of the State of Israel and one of its strongest and most steadfast supporters.” Katz mentioned that after October 7th, “he traveled to Israel time and again, standing shoulder to shoulder with our people in an extraordinary demonstration of solidarity and unwavering friendship. His repeated visits during one of the darkest chapters in Israel’s history reflected his deep commitment to the Jewish state and its right to live in peace and security.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reffered to Graham as “one of Israel’s greatest friends and the Jewish people in the U.S. and around the world.” Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister of Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism, stated: “Throughout his years in office, [Graham] waged an unwavering battle for liberty and the future of Western civilization with unmatched moral clarity and courage.”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said Lindsey Graham “stood with Israel not because it was easy, but because he believed it was right.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich added that Graham “contributed greatly to strengthening our standing in the world and to advancing many important achievements during the war.”
Reactions came from outside of the Knesset as well. Samaria Governor Yossi Dagan euolagized the sentor and pointed to his courageousness and fortitude: ““Graham never hesitated to confront anyone, not even the president of the United States, when Israel’s security was at stake. He saw subduing the Iranian regime and its nuclear program, and securing Israel’s existence, as his life’s mission.”