As tributes continue to arrive from around the world following the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is sharing what may have been one of the final substantive policy debates of the South Carolina Republican’s life.
Speaking on Fox News over the weekend, Netanyahu recalled a spirited disagreement with Graham over American military aid to Israel, a conversation that highlighted the senator’s long-standing belief that Israel’s security and America’s security were inseparable.
“He was so concerned with our security, which he believed was your security, that he actually fought the prime minister of Israel on keeping America’s aid or actually increasing it,” Netanyahu said. “And that tells you what kind of a person this extraordinary, extraordinary friend was.”
According to Netanyahu, he had argued that Israel’s economy and military strength had matured to the point where the Jewish state could eventually finance more of its own defense needs. Graham disagreed.
The exchange reflects a position Graham maintained throughout his Senate career. Whether confronting Iran, defending Israel during regional conflicts, or pushing for robust American engagement overseas, Graham consistently argued that supporting key allies ultimately protected American interests.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham.In our recent meeting, I said, “Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine. We have no better friend than Lindsey.”… pic.twitter.com/OSToT8FCYm
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 12, 2026
The senator died Saturday after what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.” He had just returned from Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during what was reportedly his latest visit to the war-torn country.
President Donald Trump revealed that he may have been among the last people to speak with Graham.
Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump said Graham called him shortly before his death to discuss the SAVE America Act, legislation aimed at strengthening election integrity measures.
“He actually said he was tired, but he wanted to pass the SAVE America Act,” Trump recalled. “I said, ‘Well, we’re going to get it done, Lindsey. We’re going to get it done.'”
Trump later described Graham as “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” and ordered flags flown at half-staff in his honor.
Lindsey Graham was a great patriot and true statesman. His colossal impact and remarkable legacy will never be forgotten. 💙🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xg6EAs23bg
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 13, 2026
The flood of tributes from American and foreign leaders reflects Graham’s unusual position in modern politics. He was a leading Republican voice on national security, one of the Senate’s most outspoken supporters of Israel, a fierce critic of Iran’s regime, and a key advocate for continued support of Ukraine.
Even political opponents frequently acknowledged his influence on foreign policy debates and his ability to maintain relationships across ideological lines. Meanwhile, allies pointed to his unwavering willingness to defend conservative causes during some of Washington’s most contentious battles, including the confirmation fight for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
For many Republicans, the stories emerging after his death reveal a consistent theme: Graham spent his final days exactly as he spent much of his public life—arguing passionately for what he believed would strengthen America and its allies.
