Lindsey Graham in Jerusalem: U.S.-Israel Alliance at a Turning Point

The United States “has no better friend than the State of Israel,” Senator Lindsey Graham said Sunday after meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Graham described the meeting as “great” and said it came “at one of the most consequential moments in recent memory.”

Graham arrived in Israel on Jan. 16, as part of what he called growing momentum following President Donald Trump’s recent moves on Iran. Upon landing, he described Israel as “the one and only Jewish State” and America’s strongest ally and friend since its founding, saying he looked forward to meeting Israeli leaders at a critical point for regional security.

At the center of Graham’s remarks was Iran. In a statement released following his meetings, the senator described the ayatollah-led regime as one of the most serious threats facing the United States, Israel, the region, and the wider world. “If Iran has a nuclear weapon, I have no doubt they will use it,” he wrote.

Graham said the United States and Israel have worked together for years to block Iran’s ambitions and weaken its ability to translate ideology into military power. He described the Iranian regime as driven by dangerous religious extremism and said stopping it remains a top strategic priority for both countries.

The senator also praised the close relationship between Trump and Netanyahu, calling it one of the most successful partnerships for the security and prosperity of both nations since Israel’s founding. He said the two leaders made “big and necessary decisions” that strengthened Israel’s security while improving the safety of the United States and its allies. “This is a relationship with no substitute,” Graham wrote, describing it as one that continues to produce strategic results.

According to Graham, his discussions with Netanyahu focused heavily on expanding security cooperation, particularly in the development of future weapons systems. He said Netanyahu presented ideas for technologies Israel is developing that could change the character of warfare in the years ahead.

Graham argued that joint American-Israeli work on advanced weapons development is the most important form of assistance Washington can offer. Such cooperation, he said, would significantly strengthen the security of both countries. He compared the potential initiative to a 21st-century Manhattan Project and said he intends to return to Washington to advance it. “Failure is not an option,” he wrote. “We must get ahead of our enemies.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also met Graham on Sunday, describing their talks as a “fascinating discussion on regional and global challenges.” Sa’ar said the senator is “a true friend of Israel” and credited him with a unique role in strengthening the alliance between Jerusalem and Washington.

Graham concluded by calling the U.S.-Israel relationship an irreplaceable strategic asset built on shared enemies and shared values, saying he left Israel convinced the partnership would continue to deliver historic results for both nations.