Israel mourns "One of its greatest friends" as Graham dies

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a key ally of President Donald Trump, died Saturday evening at age 71, his office announced Sunday.

"On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness," the statement said, adding that his family asked for privacy during "this incredibly difficult period."

First elected to the House in 1994 and to the Senate in 2002, Graham was re-elected three times and had just secured the Republican nomination for a fifth term. He chaired the Senate Budget Committee and was a staunch ally of Israel, taking a hardline stance against Hezbollah.

Trump paid tribute on Truth Social, calling Graham "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known" and "a true American Patriot." South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster described him as "irreplaceable."

Israeli leaders also mourned his death. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "Israel has lost one of its greatest friends," while President Isaac Herzog called Graham "a beacon of moral clarity" who "stood by the people of Israel in our most difficult moments." 

Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and former PM Naftali Bennett also honored him as a devoted friend of Israel.