World leaders pay tribute to Lindsey Graham, remembering his unwavering support 

WASHINGTON, DC: Late US Senator Lindsey Graham's legacy extended far beyond American politics, with world leaders remembering him as one of Washington's most influential voices on foreign policy. 

Throughout his decades in the Senate, Graham built a reputation as a committed interventionist, championing strong US engagement abroad and advocating robust military and diplomatic support for key allies, particularly Israel and Ukraine.

His outspoken positions on Iran, Iraq and Russia made him one of the Republican Party's most recognisable foreign policy hawks, earning both admiration and criticism over the years.

Israel mourns one of its strongest allies

Israeli leaders were among the first to pay tribute following Graham's death, highlighting his unwavering commitment to the country's security.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, July 12, described Graham as "one of Israel's greatest friends," praising the senator's decades-long support for the US-Israel alliance.

"Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable," Netanyahu said, underscoring the close relationship Graham maintained with Israeli leaders.

Graham consistently backed billions of dollars in US security assistance to Israel and made multiple visits to the country after the October 7 attacks, reaffirming Washington's support during one of Israel's most challenging periods.

A vocal champion of Ukraine

Graham was equally vocal in supporting Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion.

He repeatedly urged Congress to approve military aid packages, pushed for tougher sanctions on Moscow and argued that continued American support was essential for European and global security.

The senator made numerous visits to Kyiv during the war, with his tenth trip coming shortly before his death. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who met Graham twice in the week before his passing, expressed deep sorrow over the loss.

"Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer," Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine would always remain grateful for Graham's unwavering support and admiration for the courage of the Ukrainian people.

While Graham's domestic political career often drew headlines, his influence abroad earned him respect from allies across the globe.

His steadfast advocacy for Israel, Ukraine, and a muscular US foreign policy, cemented his reputation as one of America's most influential voices on international affairs, leaving behind a legacy that resonated far beyond Washington.