Netanyahu and Zelensky Shake Hands at Senator Graham's Memorial in Washington

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met and shook hands during the memorial ceremony for late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham in Washington on Tuesday. The brief encounter, captured on video, showed the two leaders conversing for a few moments before the service began at the National Cathedral. This meeting drew attention due to the complex relations between Israel and Ukraine since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Following their handshake, Netanyahu and Zelensky took their seats alongside senior U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Earlier that evening, both leaders had separate meetings with Trump at the White House. Zelensky was in Washington to discuss continued American aid to Ukraine, while Netanyahu was conducting political meetings during his U.S. visit.

Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away about two and a half weeks ago at age 71, was a prominent Republican figure and a close ally of Trump in Congress. He was also a strong supporter of Israel, frequently visiting the country and consistently backing its security policies. At the memorial, Trump eulogized Graham as a "giant in the U.S. Senate" and an unforgettable friend. Netanyahu also paid tribute, calling Graham "one of Israel's greatest friends and supporters."