Among Israel's numerous supporters in Washington, certain figures have distinguished themselves through exceptional dedication to the Jewish state's cause. Senator Lindsey Graham, the veteran Republican from South Carolina, exemplifies this unwavering commitment.
During our Thursday afternoon conversation in his office, his staff was shepherding through the Senate a heartfelt farewell resolution for departing Israeli Ambassador Mike Herzog. The unanimous support from all 100 US senators underscored the deep respect for Herzog. Graham's selection to deliver remarks at the ambassador's farewell ceremony hours later highlighted the senator's remarkable dedication to Israel within a single day. His steadfast support for Israel, recognized across party lines, has positioned him as a unique mediator between Israel and Saudi Arabia on behalf of the US, both before and during the current conflict.
Throughout his frequent wartime visits to Israel, and again in his Senate office last weekend, Graham emphasized a consistent message: "The greatest threat to Iran was the normalization between Israel and Arab states. The attitude of Saudi and UAE leadership toward Israel represents the most significant transformation I've witnessed in my lifetime. Don't let this opportunity slip away. I believe Oct. 7 was designed to derail this process because we were so close to a breakthrough. I refuse to let those bastards in Iran succeed. The key is to always do what your enemy despises most."
In practical terms, Graham advocates for Israel to consider allowing a moderate Arab state to assume control of the Gaza Strip. "MBS and MBZ [Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed] want Hamas gone at least as much as you do. I can state this with absolute certainty. However, it remains Israel's sovereign decision whether to accept a Palestinian component or to maintain that a Palestinian state poses an unacceptable security risk and therefore must be opposed."
Photo credit: Haim Zach/GPO
Q: What course of action should Trump take regarding Iran?
"While I don't speak for the administration, I believe we face an unprecedented opportunity to diminish Iran's power in a way I've never witnessed before. Israel and Trump's America must act decisively to eliminate Iran's nuclear facilities permanently."
Graham demonstrated an intimate knowledge of Israel's situation and comprehended the criticism and resistance to the hostage deal. When asked if the US would have accepted such terms in Israel's position, Graham thoughtfully responded: "That's a good question. I understand the concerns about freed terrorists returning to combat against Israel, but their operational capacity is now severely limited, and Israel retains the option to resume operations at any moment. The ceasefire isn't intended to provide Hamas with a rehabilitation period. That simply won't be permitted to happen. However, I prioritize getting the hostages out, and in the Middle East, I see no alternative to this cycle of releasing perpetrators. It's 'Sophie's Choice.'"
Graham, advancing legislation to constrain the International Criminal Court in The Hague, stateed: "In my assessment, Israel's greatest threat isn't Iran but rather its potential isolation by international institutions."
Q: Regarding the proposed legislation that would impose US sanctions on countries cooperating with the International Criminal Court (ICC), when do you expect its passage, and what drives this initiative?
"I believe Israel's biggest threat isn't Iran's nuclear program, but rather its systematic marginalization by international bodies. BDS, the persecution of IDF personnel, and economic isolation – these are all serious concerns. Consequently, the ICC issue holds historic significance for the Jewish state. Moreover, it threatens American interests as we're next in their sights. Neither of our nations belongs to this court, yet they presume to issue arrest warrants against us.
"That's why next week we're introducing bipartisan legislation that will prohibit countries cooperating with the court from engaging in business with America. This will fundamentally alter the existing paradigm, and I'm unmoved by whatever international pressure may come my way."
