Speaking in Israel, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham warned Europe’s push for Palestinian statehood strengthens Hamas, praised Israeli strikes on Iran, and urged a new strategy against Hezbollah.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham delivered a forceful statement in Tel Aviv this week following meetings with Israeli and Lebanese officials, reaffirming Washington’s close ties with Jerusalem while warning against premature recognition of a Palestinian state.
“European countries calling for a Palestinian state emboldens Hamas,” Graham declared. “Especially when they don’t even know what will go on there. Are they still going to call for murdering Jews?”
Turning to the broader regional picture, Graham praised recent joint U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran, saying they had “changed the nature of relationships in the region.” He stressed: “Israel’s success is the U.S.’s success. I hope that 2026 will be the year of dialogue and confidence-building, a year that leads to breakthroughs that were not even considered a few years ago.”
Graham also emphasized the urgent need to address Hezbollah’s growing threat in Lebanon. “I will tell President Trump that you aided Israel to eliminate the Iranian threat and you helped Israel fight the Gazan war, now we must focus on Hezbollah,” he said.
Warning of the dangers of failure, Graham added: “The worst possible outcome is for the Lebanese army to take Hezbollah on and fail. I don’t want a war in Lebanon, but I believe they are part of the solution.”
His remarks highlight a shift in Washington’s focus from the Gaza conflict toward Lebanon, as Hezbollah’s escalating activity continues to test Israel’s northern border.
