Lindsey Graham Rebukes Trump, Backs Israeli Strike in Beirut's Dahiyeh

Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the Republican Party’s senior figures in the U.S. Senate, openly broke with President Donald Trump on Sunday night after Trump made critical remarks about Israel. Graham publicly praised Israel for carrying out a strike in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district and positioned himself against the White House line.

In his statement, Graham thanked the IDF and everyone involved in killing what he called a terrorist who had American blood on his hands and whose head carried a reward after attacks on U.S. soldiers. He also said, “America has no better friend than Israel, we share common values, common enemies. Israel is a blessing to the national security of the United States.”

The article describes Graham’s move as the first loud public break by a senior Republican establishment figure against Trump’s main diplomatic approach. Graham is presented as one of the party’s longest-serving power brokers in the Senate.

With the U.S. midterm elections approaching, the piece says a possible clash between Graham and Trump could signal trouble for the president’s future ability to advance policy.