Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking before his departure to Washington on Monday, said he will pay final respects to the late Senator Lindsey Graham, describing him as "a true friend of mine and of the State of Israel." "I am sure that in this matter I represent you too, citizens of Israel," Netanyahu added, according to N12. He also reiterated that the visit's goals are maintaining security and expanding the circle of peace.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking before his departure to Washington on Monday, struck a personal note on the late Senator Lindsey Graham, stating that he represents all Israelis in paying final respects to a 'true friend' of Israel. This builds on the day's earlier announcements in which the trip was framed around strategic objectives.
The story unfolded from Sunday, when Netanyahu first announced the Monday departure for a meeting with President Trump and to attend the Graham funeral (Sun 13:09 Jerusalem). Through the cabinet meeting, he addressed the ICC prosecutor's ouster and detailed IDF operations in Judea and Samaria (versions 2-3). By departure time, he had confirmed the trip's dual purpose of security and peace expansion (versions 4-6). The latest remarks add a personal dimension, emphasizing the bipartisan ties that underpin the U.S.-Israel relationship.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Monday, the visit includes a meeting with President Trump, with the Iranian nuclear threat and normalization efforts topping the agenda. The funeral is scheduled for July 28 in Washington. The Zioneer has previously reported on the strategic alignment between Jerusalem and Washington on Iran (Jun 12, Jun 15).
The specific outcomes of the Trump meeting remain to be seen, as does the potential for any new agreements on Iran or regional arrangements.
8 developments
- StrongNetanyahu: Lindsey Graham was 'a true friend and ally, the world lost an amazing person'
- StrongNetanyahu reportedly expressed interest in attending Lindsey Graham's Washington funeral
- StrongAmit Segal reports Netanyahu expected to also attend Lindsey Graham's funeral
- StrongNetanyahu cancels US trip due to security escalation, will miss Graham's funeral Tuesday — Ynet
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