Lindsey Graham leaves behind a legacy of support for ‘Israel’ and pressure on Iran

• Lindsey Graham was one of Washington’s strongest supporters of ‘Israel’ during the war on Gaza and backed continued US military support.
• The Republican senator called for tougher action against Iran and supported US-‘Israeli’ military pressure on Tehran.

Lindsey Graham, the longtime Republican senator from South Carolina who died at 71, built a foreign policy legacy defined by unwavering support for ‘Israel’, aggressive positions toward Iran, and backing for US military intervention abroad.

Throughout his career, Graham became one of the most vocal American lawmakers defending ‘Israel’ in Washington, while his statements on Gaza and Iran drew strong criticism from Palestinians, human rights advocates, and opponents of US military policies.

Backing ‘Israel’s’ war on Gaza

Graham was among the most outspoken US politicians supporting ‘Israel’ during its war on Gaza.

In 2024, as international criticism grew over the scale of destruction in Gaza, Graham opposed calls to limit military support for ‘Israel’ and argued that Washington should continue supplying weapons.

“Give Israel what they need to fight the war they can’t afford to lose,” Graham said, comparing the campaign to the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by saying it was “on steroids.”

He also made controversial statements about Palestinians in Gaza, accusing the population of being radicalized and drawing criticism from Palestinian advocates who said his remarks dehumanized civilians.

Longtime supporter of Jerusalem recognition

Graham was a strong supporter of US policies recognizing Jerusalem as ‘Israel’s’ capital.

In 2017, he backed a Senate resolution supporting the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, saying Jerusalem was “the undeniable capital of Israel.”

He later praised the Trump administration’s embassy move, calling it a major moment in US-‘Israel’ relations.

The decision was rejected by Palestinians and criticized by several countries that argued Jerusalem’s final status should be decided through negotiations.

Calls for action against Iran

Graham was also one of the strongest advocates for a tougher US approach toward Iran.

He repeatedly called for pressure on Tehran and supported policies aimed at weakening the Iranian government. In 2026, he argued that Iran was facing a historic moment and backed efforts for regime change.

After US-‘Israeli’ military strikes on Iran, Graham praised the campaign and said removing the Iranian government would lead to a “new Middle East.”

He also criticized Gulf countries for not taking a larger military role against Iran, arguing they should become more involved in confronting Tehran.

A foreign policy built around military power

Beyond ‘Israel’ and Iran, Graham supported several US military interventions, including the Iraq War and operations in Libya and Syria.

His supporters described him as a defender of US interests and a strong ally of ‘Israel’ and Ukraine, while his critics accused him of promoting policies that fueled wars and instability across the region.

Graham’s death triggered sharply divided reactions, with US and ‘Israeli’ officials mourning a close ally, while critics highlighted his statements and political positions on Gaza and Iran.