Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed his final exchange with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham prior to the senator's death at age 71. Speaking on Fox & Friends Weekend on Sunday afternoon, Netanyahu recounted that Graham had opposed his suggestion to end U.S. military aid to Israel.
"Because he was so concerned with our security, which he believed was your [America’s] security, that he actually fought the prime minister of Israel on keeping America’s aid or actually increasing it," Netanyahu stated, describing Graham as an "extraordinary friend."
Netanyahu had informed Graham that Israel possessed a "robust economy" and could finance its own defense, suggesting a phased reduction of U.S. military support over several years. However, the senator maintained his position.
Senator Graham, who had represented South Carolina since 2002, died Saturday evening in Washington D.C. following a "brief and sudden illness." He had recently returned from Kyiv, Ukraine, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Graham was a vocal supporter of both Ukraine and Israel, and had advised on foreign policy matters concerning Russia and Iran. He was also a close ally of former President Donald Trump, consistently supporting his administration's agenda.
Trump also spoke with Graham hours before his death. According to Trump, Graham called him to discuss the passage of the SAVE America Act, which Graham had co-sponsored. Trump recalled Graham stating he was tired but committed to passing the legislation.
The SAVE America Act has passed the U.S. House of Representatives multiple times but has not advanced in the Senate. Trump ordered U.S. flags at the White House to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the late senator. He also reflected on Graham's defense of Brett Kavanaugh during the 2018 Supreme Court confirmation hearings, calling it a "top five moment in the history of the senate."