Photo by
Haim Zach, GPO/TPS-IL on 12 July, 2026
Israel Pays Tribute to US Senator Lindsey Graham, Longtime Supporter
Jerusalem, 12 July, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Israeli political leaders across the spectrum mourned the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina and one of Israel’s most consistent supporters in Congress, who died Saturday night following a brief and sudden illness at his home in Washington, DC. He was 71.
Graham, first elected to the Congress in 2002, was a prominent voice on foreign policy and national security issues. He visited Israel numerous times throughout his career, including repeated trips following the October 7 massacre.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he and his wife Sara “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.’ Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable. He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world,” Netanyahu said. “Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”
President Isaac Herzog said he received the news “with shock and sorrow.”
“Senator Graham was a beacon of moral clarity and a true leader of the partnership between the United States and Israel. We will never forget how he stood by the people of Israel in our most difficult moments, and we will always be grateful for the justice, truth, and loyalty he demonstrated,” Herzog said, adding that his thoughts were with Graham’s family and friends.
Defense Minister Israel Katz recalled that Graham “traveled to Israel time and again” following October 7, “standing shoulder to shoulder with our people” in a demonstration of solidarity and friendship.
“Throughout the years, Senator Graham stood with Israel in its most difficult moments, worked tirelessly to strengthen the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States, and was an unwavering voice in support of Israel’s security and its right to defend itself,” Katz said.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid of the centrist Yesh Atid party and former prime minister said Graham “was first and foremost a friend,” praising his “warmth, humor and energy.”
“Lindsey had unwavering moral clarity, a deep devotion to the people of Israel and a clear vision for a secure and peaceful Middle East,” Lapid said, adding that his prayers were with Graham’s family and friends.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar wrote on X that he was “shocked and saddened” by the death of a man he always called “the best senator and the best friend,” describing Graham as “one of Israel’s greatest friends in the United States and around the world.”
Opposition leader Benny Gantz of the Blue and White Party said Graham was “an unwavering, unflinching, true friend of Israel,” pointing to his commitment to Israel’s security and to advancing regional normalization since October 7.
Israel Gantz, chairman of the Yesha Council, which represents Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, said Graham was “one of the greatest friends of the State of Israel,” recalling that he “translated his love for Israel into actions, decisions, and a determined public struggle for its security.”
