U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday mourned prominent Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, praising his political career and describing him as one of the greatest people he had ever known, following the announcement of his death. His passing prompted a series of condolence messages from Israeli officials, who considered it a major loss for both Israel and the United States.
Trump posted a message on his platform, Truth Social, expressing his sorrow over Graham’s death, saying: “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people I have ever known, has passed away. He was tireless in his work and a true American patriot, and everyone will miss him.”
The U.S. president’s remarks reflected the close relationship he shared with the Republican senator, who was regarded as one of the most influential figures within the Republican Party, particularly on foreign policy and national security issues, having been one of the strongest voices supporting Washington’s positions on numerous international matters for many years.
Widespread Israeli Praise for Graham’s Career
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly offered his condolences, emphasizing that Graham’s passing was a great loss for both Israel and the United States, while praising his support for the relationship between the two countries.
In an official statement, Netanyahu said that Graham believed the security of Israel and the United States was interconnected and could not be separated, adding: “Israel has lost one of its greatest friends, the United States has lost an outstanding patriot, and I have lost a dear friend.”
Tributes also came from senior Israeli officials, with President Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett describing the late senator as a loyal friend of Israel and one of its strongest supporters within the American political establishment.
These statements reflected the esteem in which Graham was held by Israeli leaders, given his repeated pro-Israel positions and his continuous support for strengthening security and strategic cooperation between Washington and Tel Aviv throughout his years in Congress.
A Distinguished Career in Military Service and Politics
Lindsey Graham was born on July 9, 1955, in Central, South Carolina. He studied law before joining the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a military lawyer and Air Force prosecutor in Europe between 1984 and 1988, before moving into private legal practice.
Graham entered politics in the 1990s when he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. He later served in the U.S. House of Representatives before winning election to the U.S. Senate in 2003.
Throughout his years in the Senate, he established himself as one of the Republican Party’s leading figures and one of its most prominent voices on defense and foreign policy. He participated in discussing and shaping numerous issues related to national security and international relations, becoming one of the Republican Party’s most influential senators.
With Graham’s passing, the United States closes the chapter on one of its most prominent conservative political figures, whose name became associated for decades with firm positions on security and defense, as well as a significant presence in international affairs and close relationships with a number of world leaders, most notably U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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Author: Counselor Faisal Al-Mutairi
Publication Date: July 12, 2026
Last Updated: July 2026
