From the Liveblog of
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Herzog, Katz mourn US Sen. Lindsey Graham: ‘A beacon of moral clarity’
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
President Isaac Herzog says he is “shocked and heartbroken” upon hearing of the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, whom he calls a “great American patriot, a great friend of Israel, and my dear friend.”
“Senator Graham was a beacon of moral clarity and a true leader of the US-Israel partnership,” says Herzog on X. “We will never forget how he stood by the people of Israel in our most difficult moments, and we will remain eternally grateful for his sense of justice, truth, and loyalty.”
“The people of Israel mourn his loss, and I will miss my great friend very dearly.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz says in a statement that the South Carolina senator “stood with Israel in its most difficult moments, worked tirelessly to strengthen the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States, and was an unwavering voice in support of Israel’s security and its right to defend itself.”
He notes that Graham flew to Israel repeatedly after the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion, “standing shoulder to shoulder with our people in an extraordinary demonstration of solidarity and unwavering friendship.”
“He was an exceptional leader, a man of principle, and a dear friend whose legacy will endure for generations,” writes Katz.
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