Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared details of one of his final conversations with the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, revealing that the longtime South Carolina Republican strongly opposed Netanyahu’s suggestion that Israel should eventually phase out U.S. military aid.
Speaking during an interview on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Netanyahu said he had argued that Israel’s growing economy and military capabilities could eventually allow the country to become financially independent from American assistance. Graham immediately pushed back, insisting that U.S. support should continue and even increase because Israel’s security directly benefits the United States.
“Because he was so concerned with our security, which he believed was your security, that he actually fought the prime minister of Israel on keeping America’s aid or actually increasing it,” Netanyahu said. He added that the exchange reflected Graham’s unwavering commitment to both Israel and American national security.
Netanyahu praised Graham as one of Israel’s greatest friends in Congress, describing him as a steadfast advocate who understood the strategic partnership between the two nations. He said Graham consistently supported measures to strengthen Israel’s security and believed a strong Israel made America safer.
The Israeli leader said Graham’s death represents a tremendous loss, not only for Israel but also for the United States. He called the senator “a beloved friend” and said Graham possessed a deep understanding of the threats facing the free world and America’s role in confronting them.
Graham died Saturday at the age of 71 following what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.” During his decades in Congress, he became one of Israel’s strongest supporters, frequently traveling to the country, advocating for military assistance, and backing tough sanctions against Iran.
Netanyahu said Graham’s legacy will endure through the close U.S.-Israel alliance he spent years defending. He credited the senator with recognizing that the two countries share common security interests and said Graham never wavered in his support for that partnership.
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