Senator Lindsey Graham Advanced Israel-Saudi Normalization Plan Before His Death

In the weeks leading up to his death, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham was actively working on a new initiative to promote a peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Graham viewed normalization between the two countries as a pivotal foreign policy achievement and a key part of his legacy. He planned a diplomatic blitz in coordination with the U.S. administration, aiming to finalize an agreement after the upcoming elections in Israel and the U.S. in late 2026.

Graham intended to visit both Saudi Arabia and Israel soon to assess the feasibility of the deal. He emphasized that resolving the conflict with Iran, particularly reopening the Strait of Hormuz, was essential for progress. He even urged former President Trump to consider a short, decisive military operation if diplomacy failed.

Throughout May, Graham discussed the normalization plan with Trump and his advisors Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, aligning their efforts. Trump had expressed a desire for Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia, to sign peace accords with Israel if the Iran conflict ended. However, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has recently cooled on normalization, demanding Israeli commitments to a Palestinian state, which the current Israeli government rejects.

Graham also focused on overcoming two major political hurdles: securing a U.S.-Saudi defense pact requiring a two-thirds Senate majority and addressing Palestinian statehood demands to gain Democratic support. He planned to pressure Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, to accept these terms.

On the evening before his death, Graham spoke with Trump about sanctions on Russia and escalating tensions with Iran. Despite feeling unwell, he postponed seeking medical help, joking about unfinished business including the Russia sanctions, Iran issue, and Israel-Saudi normalization. He passed away hours later.