Sen. Lindsey Graham called for a formal U.S.-Israel defense pact, arguing that strong GOP support for Israel remains overwhelming, that U.S. assistance has a “tenfold” return in intelligence, counterterrorism and advanced technology, and that Israel's security role provides capabilities that the United States cannot replicate on its own.
In comments Sunday to reporters in Israel following meetings with Israeli leaders, U.S. military officials and intelligence briefings during a two-day visit, including talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Graham portrayed Israel not as a burden to the United States but as one of its most valuable strategic partners militarily, economically and morally.
No Republican break with Israel
Graham dismissed suggestions that support for Israel within the Republican Party is waning, calling such claims out of touch with political reality.
“There is no strong anti-Israel movement in the Republican Party,” he said, arguing that vocal critics represent a marginalization, not a base. “Loud voices do not represent the majority.”
Referring to his home state, Graham noted that more than three-quarters of Republican voters in South Carolina strongly support the U.S.-Israel relationship, adding that national Republican politics reflects the same reality.
“In South Carolina, more than 75% of Republicans value the U.S.-Israel relationship,” he said.
Stressing that support for Israel remains a fundamental position for both GOP voters and GOP leaders, Graham said that “support for Israel in the Republican Party is strong.”
Why US Aid to Israel Benefits America
Graham argued that U.S. military and economic assistance to Israel brings enormous benefits to American security and global influence.
“Israel is important to America,” he said. “The money we give Israel comes back tenfold in security, intelligence and economic cooperation, especially in the field of artificial intelligence.”
Speaking specifically about intelligence cooperation, counterterrorism expertise, and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, where Israeli innovation directly impacts U.S. defense and economic power, Graham added that “if Israeli intelligence disappeared tomorrow, America would be blind in the region,” noting that U.S. forces would not be able to replicate the counterterrorism capabilities of the Israel Defense Forces.
Closure in the Alliance
Graham called on Israel to enter into a formal U.S.-Israel defense agreement to institutionalize cooperation that goes beyond individual administrations.
“Israel must deepen its relationship with the United States, not distance itself from it,” he insisted.
He said such a pact would reflect strategic reality rather than political symbolism.
“Israel does more to keep America safe than any other ally,” Graham said. “NATO matters, but no one is closer to the threat than Israel.”
The senator explained how the long-standing alliance is mutually reinforcing.
“It is in America’s interest for Israel to survive, prosper and remain strong militarily and economically,” he said. “The better Israel, the better America.”
Winning the war, losing the media
Praising Israel's military effectiveness, Graham noted that the country continues to struggle in the information space.
“You win on the ground, but you lose in the media war,” he said, urging Israeli leaders to remain focused on achieving their military goals rather than chasing international approval.
He also rejected accusations of genocide, contrasting Israel's behavior with the stated goals of its enemies.
“If Israel wanted to kill all the Palestinians, it could,” Graham said. “Hamas wants to kill all Israelis, but it can't.”
Common Threat: Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran
Graham grouped Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran into a single strategic issue, characterizing them as interconnected components of a broader Iranian-led campaign against Israel and the United States.
He said Hamas was using the ceasefire not to disarm, but to rearm and consolidate power in the Gaza Strip, making long-term peace impossible. Hezbollah, he added, continues to destabilize Lebanon and has American blood on its hands, pointing to the Beirut barracks bombing that killed 241 American troops, including 220 Marines, in 1983.
Iran, Graham said, remains the central driving force.
“Without Iran there will be no Hamas or Hezbollah,” he said.
While acknowledging that Iran's nuclear facilities were severely damaged, Graham warned that Tehran's intentions remain unchanged.
“Iran's capacity has diminished, but not its desire,” he said, calling for immediate military action if Iran resumes nuclear enrichment or expands ballistic missile production.
“Appeasement does not lead to peace,” Graham said, noting that the Iranian regime “seeks to destroy Israel and attack America.”
“Nothing will change until the regime changes,” he added.
Deadline for terrorist groups
Saying the region cannot move forward until armed terrorist groups are removed from political power, Graham called for Hamas to set a clear timetable for disarmament, warning that failure should prompt decisive Israeli military action with US support.
“Give Hamas a timer. Give it a certain period to disarm. If they fail, I would advise President Trump to give free rein to Israel to finish off Hamas,” he said.
Likewise, he said Hezbollah must either voluntarily surrender its heavy weapons or face coordinated military action involving Israel, the United States and regional partners. Removing these threats, Graham argued, would dramatically improve the prospects for regional normalization, including expanding peace agreements with Arab states.
Graham concluded his speech by honoring the victims of the October 7 massacre and expressing hope that decisive action now can change the region for the better.
Joshua Klein is a reporter for Breitbart News. Email him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JoshuaKlein.
