U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) warned on Sunday that Hamas appeared to be rearming and trying to strengthen its control of Gaza, while Hezbollah continued to produce weapons in Lebanon.
The senator spoke during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
Netanyahu welcomed Graham, calling him “a great friend of Israel and a dear personal friend,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Graham wished Israelis a happy Chanukah and said he hoped 2026 would be “a year of peace and of defeating the bad guy.”
Responding to Graham’s observations on Hamas and Hezbollah, which the senator described as “an unacceptable outcome,” Netanyahu said, “You’re right on both counts. You’re usually right—I could even say always, but we’ll leave a bit of room.”
Graham also met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in the capital on Sunday. Calling Graham a “dear friend” and thanking him for his “true friendship,” Jerusalem’s top diplomat wrote that they discussed “the situation in Gaza and the future of the region.”
Great meeting in Israel with a dear friend @LindseyGrahamSC.
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) December 21, 2025
We discussed the situation in Gaza and the future of the region. The reconstruction of Gaza and a better future for Gaza will be possible only if Hamas disarms.
I reiterated that Hamas isn't disarming. Unfortunately,… pic.twitter.com/eGeZ1RZNfT
“The reconstruction of Gaza and a better future for Gaza will be possible only if Hamas disarms,” Sa’ar said. “I reiterated that Hamas isn’t disarming. Unfortunately, Hamas is trying to consolidate its power in Gaza, not give it up. We won’t accept this.”
