Tel Aviv [Israel], July 12 (ANI): Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (local time) condoled the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, who had been a fierce advocate of Israel.
Netanyahu recollected that Graham was a great friend of Israel.
In a post on X, he said, ‘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.’ 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. 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 at this difficult time. May his values and initiatives continue to guide us toward victory and peace, and may his memory forever be a blessing.’
https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2076209061897334872?s=20
Earlier in the day, Graham passed away on Saturday evening after ‘brief and sudden illness’, his office said on Sunday.
In a statement, Graham’s office said the family of the Republican Senator from South Carolina had sought privacy during the difficult time.
‘On the evening of Saturday, July 11, US Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,’ the statement said.
Senator Graham had said in May this year that any potential deal with Tehran in the West Asia crisis must not handcuff Israel’s military operations against Hamas and Hezbollah.
‘On a separate front, it is my belief that we must allow Israel to neutralise the threats the country faces from constant Hezbollah attacks emanating from Lebanon. There are parts of Israel that are uninhabitable because of Hezbollah missile and rocket fire.’
However, Trump’s government has recently been plagued with geriatric issues, as earlier on July 6, Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the former majority leader, was hospitalized on June 14, New York Times reported.
The administration is pulling through with scant explanations on the health status of its members. Representative Thomas H. Kean Jr., a Republican who represents a key swing district in New Jersey, disappeared for 117 days and missed more than 100 votes in the House, before offering his constituents an explanation: that he was hospitalized to treat depression, as per New York Times.
Kay Granger, a Texas Republican who once led the powerful Appropriations Committee, had missed months of House votes. Later, her son told the media, as quoted by the New York Times, that she had been experiencing ‘dementia issues.’
Even US President Donald Trump slammed New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman after she questioned his physical and cognitive fitness during an appearance on MS Now, warning that she will ‘pay the price’ when his multibillion-dollar lawsuit against the Times reaches court, The Hill reported.
Questions have been doing rounds around Trump’s health after a series of several high-profile blunders and verbal mishaps. (ANI)
