Israel mourns Lindsey Graham as Netanyahu says nation lost 'one of its greatest friends'

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL: Israeli leaders led an outpouring of grief following the death of US Sen Lindsey Graham, describing him as one of the country’s most steadfast allies and a driving force behind the US-Israel partnership for decades.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog were among the first foreign leaders to honor the South Carolina Republican on Sunday, July 12, whose support for Israel spanned conflicts from the October 7 Hamas attacks to the recent confrontation with Iran.

Graham built a reputation in Washington as one of Congress’ strongest defenders of Israel, consistently backing military aid, supporting its security operations, and advocating a hardline approach toward Iran.

His close relationship with Israeli leaders made him one of the most influential American voices on Middle East policy.

Benjamin Netanyahu recalls trusted ally

In a statement released shortly after Graham’s death, Netanyahu called the senator “one of Israel’s greatest friends” and reflected on their personal relationship.

“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 said.

The Israeli prime minister added that Graham understood the security of Israel and the United States to be inseparable, praising his lifelong commitment to strengthening the alliance and defending democratic values.

Netanyahu concluded by saying Israel had lost “one of its greatest friends,” underscoring Graham’s influence on bilateral relations during some of the country’s most challenging security crises.

Isaac Herzog shares heartfelt tribute

President Isaac Herzog also issued an emotional message, saying he was “shocked and heartbroken” by the news.

Calling Graham “a great American patriot” and “a true leader of the US-Israel partnership,” Herzog credited the senator with standing beside Israel during its most difficult moments.

“We will never forget how he stood by the people of Israel,” Herzog wrote, adding that Israelis would remain grateful for Graham’s “sense of justice, truth and loyalty.”

Herzog described Graham as a personal friend and extended condolences to the senator’s family, saying the people of Israel mourned his passing alongside the American public. 

Graham’s death resonated far beyond Washington because of his central role in shaping US policy toward Israel.

He championed billions of dollars in military assistance, frequently visited the country during periods of conflict, and remained one of the Senate’s most outspoken supporters of Israel’s security interests.

His unwavering backing during the aftermath of the October 7 attacks and his support for a tougher US stance toward Iran cemented his standing among Israeli leaders, many of whom viewed him as one of their closest partners in Congress.