Lindsey Graham, a Leading Pro-Israel Voice in Washington, Dies at 71

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the most senior and influential figures in the Republican Party, died unexpectedly at the age of 69. His office announced his passing on X, stating that Graham died following a sudden and rapidly progressing illness.

According to NBC News, the senator apparently died of a cardiac event. Emergency crews were dispatched to his Capitol Hill residence following a report of a person in cardiac arrest. Photographs reviewed by NBC News show paramedics evacuating a person on a stretcher from Graham's home to a waiting ambulance.

In an official statement, Graham's office said: "On the eve of Shabbat, July 11, Senator Lindsey Graham passed away following a sudden and fast-moving illness. His family is grateful for the prayers and asks for privacy during this difficult time."

For years, Graham was regarded as one of President Donald Trump's closest and most steadfast allies, as well as one of Israel's most prominent and vocal champions in the U.S. Senate. Trump paid tribute on X: "Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and he was a true American patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! Details and arrangements will follow. So sad!"

Over the course of his career, Graham became one of the most outspoken and effective advocates for Israel in the United States Congress. As early as 2016, he worked to advance an additional $3.4 billion security assistance package for Israel. Following the outbreak of war in 2024, he sharply criticized the Biden administration's decision to delay weapons shipments to Israel. He also championed legislation that would hold Iran directly accountable for attacks carried out through its proxy network — with the explicit goal of enabling a military response — and introduced a proposal authorizing the U.S. president to order military strikes against Iran should it move toward acquiring nuclear weapons.

In May 2025, he declared that he would oppose any U.S.-Saudi security agreement that did not include a normalization component between Riyadh and Jerusalem. During Operation "Am KeLavi," he declared that "Israel's war is our war," and continued to voice unwavering support throughout Operation "Roar of the Lion."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned the senator in a personal statement: "Sara and I mourn together with the American people the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham. In our last meeting, I told him: 'Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a dear friend of mine. We have no better friend than Lindsey.' Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable. He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance, and standing up for the free world."

Netanyahu continued: "Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend. Our hearts are with Lindsey's family and with the American people during this painful time. May his values and initiatives continue to guide us toward victory and peace, and may his memory be a blessing forever."

Defense Minister Israel Katz also paid tribute: "I express deep sorrow over the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham — a true friend of the State of Israel and one of its strongest, most loyal, and most consistent supporters. Over the years, Senator Graham stood by Israel in its most difficult moments, worked tirelessly to strengthen the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States, and was an uncompromising voice in defense of Israel's security and its right to self-defense."

Katz added: "After the October 7 massacre, he came to Israel time and again, standing shoulder to shoulder with Israel's citizens in an extraordinary expression of solidarity and enduring friendship. His repeated visits during one of the darkest periods in the state's history reflected his profound commitment to the Jewish state and to its right to live in security and peace. I had the privilege of knowing Lindsey personally and valued his friendship deeply. He was an exceptional leader, a man of principle, and a dear friend whose legacy will endure for generations. On behalf of Israel's defense establishment and the citizens of Israel, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, colleagues, and the American people. May his memory be a blessing."

President Isaac Herzog stated: "I received with shock and grief the news of the sudden passing of my dear friend — a great friend of Israel and a great American patriot, Senator Lindsey Graham. Senator Graham was a beacon of moral clarity and a true champion of the partnership between the United States and Israel. We will never forget how he stood with the people of Israel in our hardest moments, and we will always be grateful for the justice, truth, and loyalty he embodied. I will forever cherish his unwavering support for the State of Israel and his personal friendship. My thoughts are with Lindsey's family and friends at this difficult hour. May his memory be a blessing."

Shas Chairman Rabbi Aryeh Deri said: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham — one of the greatest friends of the State of Israel and one of the righteous among the nations of our generation. He stood courageously with Israel, fought uncompromisingly against the Iranian axis of evil and terror, and made an enduring contribution to strengthening the bond between Israel and the United States. The State of Israel has lost a true friend. May his memory be a blessing."

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation issued a statement marking the loss: "A profound loss for the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and the American nation. Senator Lindsey Graham visited the Western Wall on many occasions. During the Swords of Iron War — in the aftermath of October 7 — he came to the Western Wall and said: 'You are not alone. The United States stands with you.' Those words captured his deep commitment to Israel and his uncompromising solidarity with the Jewish people."