Trump Ally Lindsey Graham Defends Israel After Netanyahu Criticism

Senator Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies in Washington, issued an unusual public statement on Sunday backing Israel’s right to defend itself against threats from Hezbollah and Iran. His remarks came amid rising tension between Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over talks for a possible deal with Iran, and just hours after Trump publicly criticized Netanyahu over Israel’s strike in Beirut.

Graham said he hopes diplomacy can still prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and stop what he called its “terror regime” in the region, but argued that the reality on the ground must not be ignored. He said Hezbollah has continued attacking Israel “without pause” since the last ceasefire, to the point that entire areas in northern Israel have been evacuated.

“What would America do in a similar situation?” Graham asked. He added that Hezbollah is funded and directed by Iran and said that “much American blood is on its hands.” Graham also warned that even if Washington and Tehran reach an agreement, Hezbollah’s declared goals have not fundamentally changed.

According to Graham, the group still seeks to “destroy Israel and turn Lebanon into a caliphate.” His statement amounts to a strong show of support for Israel’s security position at a moment when the U.S. president is putting public pressure on Jerusalem.