U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has asserted that America’s defense assistance to Israel yields substantial national security benefits, including intelligence sharing, counterterrorism capabilities, and advanced technology the United States cannot replicate independently.
Speaking to reporters in Israel on Sunday following a two-day visit with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, U.S. military officials, and intelligence briefers, Graham called for the establishment of a formal defense agreement between the two nations to strengthen cooperation beyond individual administrations.
Graham dismissed claims that Republican support for Israel is waning, stating there is no significant anti-Israel movement within the party. “Loud voices do not represent the majority,” he said, noting that over 75% of Republican voters in South Carolina strongly back the U.S.-Israel relationship—a figure he described as indicative of broader GOP sentiment.
The senator emphasized Israel’s strategic value to America, stating, “Israel is a great deal for America. The money we give Israel comes back tenfold in security, intelligence, and economic cooperation — especially in AI.” He warned that without Israel’s capabilities, the U.S. would be severely disadvantaged regionally, adding, “If Israeli intelligence disappeared tomorrow, America would be blind in the region.”
Graham also grouped Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran as interconnected threats under an Iranian-led campaign against Israel and the United States. “Without Iran, there is no Hamas or Hezbollah,” he said.
Addressing Iran’s nuclear program, Graham stated that while damage to Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure has been achieved, the regime’s intentions remain unchanged. He called for military action if Iran resumes nuclear enrichment or expands ballistic missile production, declaring, “Appeasement does not lead to peace.”
In a separate remark, Graham rejected accusations of genocide against Israel, contrasting Israel’s actions with Hamas’ stated goal of eliminating the Jewish state. He urged Israeli leaders to focus on military objectives rather than the media war, saying, “You are winning on the ground, but losing the media war.”
The senator also called for Hamas to be placed on a firm timetable to disarm, warning that failure should trigger decisive Israeli action with U.S. backing.
