Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Israel's most outspoken defenders in the United States Congress and a close ally of President Donald Trump, died suddenly on Saturday night at the age of 71. His office announced the news in a statement posted to X on Sunday morning, saying the South Carolina Republican passed away from a brief and sudden illness and asking for privacy for his family during this difficult period.
American media reported that Graham suffered a cardiac event, with emergency crews responding to his Capitol Hill home Saturday evening after a call reporting cardiac arrest. Paramedics were seen carrying him from the residence on a stretcher as police and fire crews gathered outside.
Graham's death came as a shock in Washington and beyond, as he had only just returned from a visit to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky days earlier. He had been scheduled to appear on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday morning.
First elected to the Senate in 2002 after serving in the House, Graham became one of the most recognizable voices in the chamber on defense and foreign policy, and chaired the Senate Budget Committee. His support for Israel intensified sharply after the Hamas terror attacks of October 7, 2023, when he stood firmly behind the Israeli government and gave full backing to the IDF's campaign in Gaza. He visited Israel multiple times during the war to express solidarity, pushed back publicly against international criticism of Israel's conduct, opposed calls for a ceasefire, and worked to advance legislation ensuring continued military aid without conditions.
Graham was widely regarded as one of Trump's closest confidants in Congress and had served in recent weeks as an informal adviser on foreign policy, including on efforts to shape American strategy toward Iran.
President Trump mourned Graham as one of the greatest senators he had ever known and praised him as a devoted patriot who was always at work.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he and his wife Sara were mourning alongside the American people, recalling that in their last meeting he had called Graham a great friend of Israel and said there was no better friend to have, adding that Israel had lost one of its greatest friends.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar wrote that he was shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of a friend he always called the best senator, describing him as one of the greatest friends Israel and the Jewish people had in America.
President Isaac Herzog said he received the news with shock and pain, calling Graham a beacon of moral clarity and a true leader of the American Israeli partnership.
Graham's death leaves a significant gap in the Senate, where Republicans held 53 seats to 47 for Democrats and independents before his passing. Trump now loses a reliable vote, narrowing his margin for advancing policy initiatives and confirming senior appointments. Graham's seat will remain vacant until South Carolina's governor names a temporary replacement.
