He also described establishing ties between Israel and the Arab world to be an "absolutely essential ingredient to a better, more stable Mid-East and a safe and secure Israel and a prosperous Palestinian people." The senator also stated that he was personally "more dedicated now to bringing stability to your country and this region." Graham also said that they would strive for a safe and secure Israel and those who perished, "will not have died in vain."
He added: "We're going to do everything we can, on my end and I think working with the Biden administration, Mr. Prime Minister, to push forward to make Iran's worst nightmare real: The Arabs and the Israelis move toward the light."
Before the meeting, which included Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, National Security Director Tzachi Hanegbi, the prime minister's Military Secretary Maj.-Gen. Avi Gil and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Herzog, Netanyahu thanked Graham for the support. "Thank you. Senator Graham, Lindsey, I appreciate your personal support and the bipartisan support of the American people, represented by the administration, by both sides of Congress."
Netanyahu stood his ground in being absolutely committed to achieving their war goals – that is to destroy Hamas, release hostages and make sure Gaza doesn't become a threat again. He also promised that they would return their citizens to the north and the south. "For that, we'll apply maximum power with maximum precision everywhere that's needed," the prime minister continued. "And we have your back," Graham quipped as they shook hands.
During the past months, Iran has publicly blamed Israel for the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, accusing it of committing "genocide" in Gaza and setting "fire to the region." Tehran also blasted West Jerusalem’s Western supporters, which included the U.S., for employing double standards in their assessment of the situation in the region.
Last month, Graham called for a bombing campaign against Iran, calling for the country's oil fields and the Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters to be "blown off the map." "I have been saying for six months now: Hit Iran," he said during a "Fox & Friends" interview. "They have oil fields out in the open, they have the Revolutionary Guard headquarters you can see from space. Blow it off the map." He claimed that the Yemeni Houthis are "completely backed" by Tehran and without Iran, "there are no Houthis," he declared. (Related: MORE VIOLENCE: Senator Lindsey Graham wants Biden to bomb Iran’s IRGC headquarters.)
He also accused Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin of showing "weakness" and "failing our troops in the field" by not retaliating more forcefully despite the launch of airstrikes against three targets in Iraq. "I asked him a couple of months ago: Is there a red line? Would you tell our enemies publicly that if you kill an American, we are coming after you?" the senator noted. "If you really want to protect American soldiers, make it real to the ayatollah, you attack a soldier through a proxy, we’re coming after you." During CNN's "State of the Union" earlier in December, Graham said Austin is so naïve and he has lost all confidence in the Pentagon secretary because he alleged that the latter is telling Israel things that are impossible to achieve.
Graham announces he'll relaunch the Saudi normalization drive
In a separate interview with reporters in Israel, Graham announced that he would resume efforts to establish a normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
"I'm leaving here more optimistic than when I arrived. I asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Benny Gantz if they would want to move forward with an agreement with Saudi Arabia. Their answer was positive. I will take this message to Riyadh and convey it to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman," he declared, adding that after his previous visit to Israel two months ago, he heard from the Saudi leader that he was still interested in promoting the agreement with Israel.
"The ayatollah regime in Iran's worst nightmare is that Arabs and Israelis make peace," the senator once again said. "I think this [Hamas] attack was also meant to stop the reconciliation efforts between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The crown prince asked me if there is a stable Israeli government that wants this. I told him there is a partner but that security considerations will be even more important than before. At the end of the visit here, I will go to him and update him on what I heard," Graham added. The South Carolina solon is pushing this because he believes Hamas needs to be destroyed and "must not rule Gaza. After all, that is what will prevent peace with Saudi Arabia."
He also claimed that he does not trust the Palestinian Authority. "You cannot have Palestinian children continue to be taught to hate and kill Jews," Graham stressed.
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