‘May his memory be a blessing’ - Israelis react to sudden passing of Sen Lindsey Graham

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (Rep., S.C.), one of Israel’s staunchest supporters in Washington, died suddenly on Saturday evening, his office announced. He was 71 years old.

Senator Graham had just returned from a visit to Ukraine, a state which he also advocated for unceasingly following its 2022 invasion by Russia. 

Israeli leaders and public voices were quick to lament Graham’s passing, and to praise him for his unflinching support for the Jewish State. 

“Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. 

“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.” 

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

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called Graham "the best senator and the best friend.” 

“Senator Graham was one of the greatest friends of Israel and the Jewish people in the US and the world over,” Sa’ar wrote in a post to social media, in which he said Graham “was blessed with a clear vision of reality and a true commitment to values. His support for Israel and its security was unwavering.” 

“The State of Israel has lost a great friend," Sa’ar concluded. “My condolences to his family and the American people.” 

President Isaac Herzog said he was “shocked and heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of the great American patriot, a great friend of Israel, and my dear friend U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham.” 

“Senator Graham was a beacon of moral clarity and a true leader of the U.S.-Israel partnership,” Herzog stated. “We will never forget how he stood by the people of Israel in our most difficult moments, and we will remain eternally grateful for his sense of justice, truth, and loyalty.” 

I am shocked and heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of the great American patriot, a great friend of Israel, and my dear friend U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham.

Senator Graham was a beacon of moral clarity and a true leader of the U.S.-Israel partnership. We will never… pic.twitter.com/tNuV93LXKS

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) July 12, 2026

"Today, Israel has lost one of its greatest friends,” National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir wrote in a post in English, upon learning of Graham’s passing. “Senator Lindsey Graham stood with Israel not because it was easy, but because he believed it was right. His unwavering support, courage, and moral clarity earned him the admiration of millions of Israelis.” 

Today, Israel has lost one of its greatest friends.

Senator Lindsey Graham stood with Israel not because it was easy, but because he believed it was right. His unwavering support, courage, and moral clarity earned him the admiration of millions of Israelis.

The State of Israel…

— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) July 12, 2026

“May his memory be a blessing.” 

Calling Graham “one of Israel’s greatest friends in Washington and around the world,” Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and former Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, said he “championed a firm stance against Iran’s axis of terror and fought tirelessly against terrorism in defense of justice and freedom.” 

“Israel has lost a dear friend who stood by our side, and by the side of truth, without compromise,” Cohen concluded. 

“Lindsey Graham was first and foremost a friend. His warmth, humor and energy will be deeply missed,” Opposition head Yair Lapid wrote to social media. “Lindsey had unwavering moral clarity, a deep devotion to the people of Israel and a clear vision for a secure and peaceful Middle East.” 

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said both the U.S. and Israel suffered a loss in Graham's death.

"I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of my friend Senator Lindsey Graham. America has lost a devoted patriot, and Israel has lost one of its greatest friends," Bennett wrote to his 𝕏 account. "Lindsey stood with Israel through our darkest hours, with courage. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

“Throughout the years, Senator Graham stood with Israel in its most difficult moments, worked tirelessly to strengthen the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States, and was an unwavering voice in support of Israel’s security and its right to defend itself,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement. 

Katz noted Graham’s repeated visits to Israel following the Oct. 7 massacre, calling it “an extraordinary demonstration of solidarity and unwavering friendship.” He also called Graham “an exceptional leader, a man of principle, and a dear friend whose legacy will endure for generations.” 

Right-wing opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman said that Graham was “a true friend” of Israel. 

“For years, he stood by our side, both when it required courage and when it involved significant criticism,” Lieberman wrote to social media. “He believed in Israel's right to protect its citizens and worked to strengthen the deep alliance between Israel and the United States.” 

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by Graham's sudden death.

"Lindsey was one of the funniest and smartest people I’ve ever met. He was a great friend of the State of Israel, and to me personally," Ohana wrote. "Thank you for fighting for what is good."

“The greatest friend of Israel on Capitol Hill has left us,” Israeli journalist Amit Segal wrote to his 𝕏 account.