On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reflected on his final conversation with the recently deceased Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina. Netanyahu mentioned that Graham was hesitant when he suggested ending U.S. military aid to Israel.
“He genuinely cared about our safety,” Netanyahu said on “Fox & Friends Weekend.” Graham, who was a longtime supporter, pushed back against the notion of reducing aid, highlighting the depth of their friendship.
The South Carolina Republican was in the news on Sunday following his passing, which was attributed to a sudden illness.
Graham’s steadfast support for nations like Israel and Ukraine was a major talking point following his death.
During his reflections, Netanyahu reassured Graham about Israel’s capabilities, mentioning that the country had grown “mature” and had a strong economy, implying it could stand on its own. However, Graham remained unconvinced.
Netanyahu recounted, “I told him we can take care of ourselves, funding our own defense. I proposed gradually phasing out military aid.” He added that Graham reacted strongly, declaring, “That’s impossible.”
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Netanyahu also reminisced about Graham’s vibrant personality, from his sharp wit to his focused demeanor during serious moments.
Describing their meetings as “inspiring,” he expressed, “I will miss him very much.”
He added that he wouldn’t draw comparisons with others but felt many shared similar sentiments. The world is quite challenging, and without strong American leadership, he warned of a return to darker times. “Lindsey Graham understood that perfectly,” he noted.
