Authorities from Israel and Ukraine have led the first wave of condolence messages following the death of one of the most influential figures in United States foreign policy, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who died Saturday night at the age of 71 due to a "sudden illness," his office reported.
Graham chaired the Senate Budget Committee, although his most prominent role was as an informal advisor on the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, as a staunch ally of Kyiv and Tel Aviv. Proof of this is that last Friday he was in Ukraine visiting a drone factory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel "has lost one of its greatest friends," that the United States has lost "a great patriot," and that he himself has lost "a dear friend."
"Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and the United States are inseparable. He dedicated his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance, and advocating for the free world," Netanyahu added.
Earlier, Israeli President Isaac Herzog had praised the figure as "a beacon of moral clarity and a true leader of the partnership between the United States and Israel."
"We will never forget how he stood by the people of Israel in our most difficult times, and we will always be grateful for the justice, truth, and loyalty he demonstrated," Herzog added.
The ultranationalist Israeli Minister of Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, noted that Graham "stood with Israel not because it was easy, but because he believed it was the right thing to do" and that "his unwavering support, courage, and moral clarity earned him the admiration of millions of Israelis."
The first reaction from Ukraine came from Foreign Minister Andri Sibiha, who described the deceased senator as "a true friend of Ukraine and one of the strongest voices in the fight against Russian aggression."
"He firmly advocated for the imposition of the harshest sanctions against Russia and for providing Ukraine with the necessary resources to defend its people. His leadership, conviction, and unwavering commitment to Ukraine will never be forgotten," he concluded.