Netanyahu Considers Attending Senator Lindsey Graham's Funeral in South Carolina

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering traveling to South Carolina to attend the funeral of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. The visit, if it takes place, is also expected to include a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Graham was known as one of the most prominent pro-Israel voices in the American Congress and maintained a close relationship with Netanyahu over key issues such as Iran, Israeli security, and counterterrorism.

The Republican senator frequently visited Israel, meeting with prime ministers, presidents, senior defense officials, and families of hostages, consistently expressing support for Israel even during sensitive periods. During the recent Iron Swords operation and other tense times in the region, Graham visited Israel to convey solidarity.

A central focus of Graham's work was opposing Iran's nuclear program. He warned against the 2015 nuclear deal, advocated for strong pressure on Tehran due to its support for Hamas, Hezbollah, Shiite militias, and the Houthis, and was a vocal supporter of U.S. military aid to Israel, including funding for air defense systems like the Iron Dome.

Graham was also a close ally of President Trump on foreign policy matters, particularly regarding the Middle East. He played a strategic role in discussions on Israel and Iran and was among the lawmakers whose views Trump valued. Netanyahu's potential attendance at the funeral could provide an additional opportunity for diplomatic engagement with the U.S. administration beyond the personal tribute to a key Israeli ally in Washington.