Israeli Correspondent Mourns Senator Lindsey Graham’s Death, Highlights His Deep Bond With Israel

Barak Ravid, the Washington correspondent for Israel's Channel 12 News, emotionally bid farewell to Senator Lindsey Graham, describing him as a warm, funny, and intelligent man deeply connected to Israel and its people. Ravid shared that he had spoken with Graham almost daily over the past two years and emphasized that Graham’s support for Israel went beyond politics; he genuinely loved the Israeli spirit and had a profound understanding of the country unmatched by current U.S. politicians from either party.

Ravid recalled Graham as a tireless worker and a strategic thinker who did not take himself too seriously. Their last conversation occurred just days before Graham’s death, when the senator was returning from Ukraine and expressed his determination to advance new sanctions legislation against Russia. Graham was also deeply invested in issues concerning Iran and fostering peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Ravid recounted that shortly before U.S. airstrikes in Iran, Graham spoke with then-President Trump and later mentioned feeling chest pressure to a mutual friend, who advised him to see a doctor. Graham jokingly dismissed the concern, saying he had important work to finish, including the sanctions bill and Middle East peace efforts. Ravid concluded with sorrow that Graham was unable to complete these goals.