Graham’s Final Diplomatic Push Targeted Saudi-Israel Normalization

Sen. Lindsey Graham spent his final weeks laying groundwork for a renewed Saudi-Israel normalization drive, according to multiple reports published after his sudden death. He coordinated with President Donald Trump, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, and also spoke with Ron Dermer and senior Saudi representatives. Graham hoped intensive work could begin after Israel’s October election and the U.S. midterms, with a deal framework ready before the new Congress convened. He viewed Iran’s weakening as an opening, but believed the Strait of Hormuz crisis first had to be contained and that any U.S.-Saudi defense treaty would require a two-thirds Senate vote.