Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON — Normally a staunch critic of the president, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham on Sunday praised the Biden administration’s efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia as an important step toward stabilizing the Middle East after the war.

Graham, of South Carolina, in an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” said that normalized relations between Israel and the Saudis would be a setback for Iran, a U.S. adversary that opposes a rapprochement between Israel and Arab states.

The Biden administration views the creation of formal diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia as an important foreign policy goal, though progress toward an agreement has been upended by the war between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. hasn’t given up on normalized relations, seen as a potential linchpin in any long-term peace plan between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Graham told moderator Kristen Welker that “the Biden administration is trying to revive the normalization efforts, and I think they’re right to do so. If you really want to hurt Iran long term, don’t let them get away with destroying efforts to reconcile between Israel and Saudi Arabia.”

Israel’s counterattack against Hamas following the Oct. 7 assault has complicated hopes of durable diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia. More than 18,700 Palestinians have been killed thus far, according to health officials in Gaza. Saudi leaders risk angering their own population if they pursue normalization with Israel amid images of Palestinian women and children dying in Israel’s offensive.

“I can tell you, Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries cannot normalize with Israel if they’re having been seen as throwing the Palestinians under the bus,” Graham said. “We have two choices: Continue the death spiral or use Oct. 7 as a catalyst for change.”

Israel is facing pressure from the Biden administration to scale back its offensive so that fewer civilians in Gaza are killed. If Israel follows through, that could potentially revive interest in what Graham called “the big prize”: normalized relations between Israel and oil-rich Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to reporters last month, John Kirby, the White House’s National Security Council spokesman, said: “We still believe that an integrated Israel is good for the region. And we still believe that that is a path worth pursuing. And we’re not giving up on that. I think you’ve heard me say we’re still interested in pursuing this normalization arrangement between Israel and Saudi Arabia.”

Graham is an ally of former President Donald Trump, the front-runner in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. He’s not typically inclined to give Biden any political cover. Yet when asked about GOP efforts in the House to impeach Biden, Graham showed little appetite for the inquiry that lawmakers authorized last week.

“If there were a smoking gun, I think we’d be talking about it,” Graham said of Biden’s conduct.

“I’m not worried about impeaching the president right now,” Graham continued. “You know what I’m worried about? Helping the president bring the Mideast to a better spot; trying to convince the Arabs and the Israelis to not let Iran get you off track; give Israel the space to destroy Hamas.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Newborn found with umbilical cord attached in Penn Station, police hunt for parents

Abandoned Newborn Discovered in Penn Station: Police Seek Parents

The New York Police Department is actively searching for the parents of…
Soros-backed blue city DA under fire after freeing suspect tied to Miss USA hopeful’s death

Controversy Erupts: Soros-Backed DA Faces Backlash for Release Linked to Miss USA Hopeful’s Tragic Death

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is under intense scrutiny after the arrest…
Man who sent 'So I raped you' message sentenced to 2 to 4 years for 2013 campus assault

Man Sentenced to 2-4 Years in Prison for 2013 Campus Assault Following Disturbing Message

In a case that underscores the challenges faced by victims of campus…
Bank robbers turn blue state into hot spot for heists as bandits grow bolder, industry leader warns

Surge in Bank Heists: Blue State Becomes Unlikely Crime Hub Amid Bold Robberies, Industry Experts Alert

In recent years, while the nation has seen a general decrease in…
Florida AG Uthmeier subpoenas Roblox over child safety

Florida Attorney General Uthmeier Subpoenas Roblox to Investigate Child Safety Concerns

“We are unwavering in our mission to safeguard Florida’s children, and any…
Federal Court Upholds School Ban on "Let's Go Brandon" Shirts

Federal Court Ruling Supports School’s Ban on Controversial ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ Apparel

A federal appellate court has upheld a ban on “Let’s Go Brandon”…
Suspect in 2021 restaurant murder acquitted

2021 Restaurant Murder Case: Suspect Walks Free After Acquittal

Jacksonville authorities arrived at the scene of a shooting at the Hyatt…
Doug Martin, Bay Area-born NFL star, former Boise State and Oakland Raiders running back, dies at 36, family says

Bay Area NFL Alum and Former Raiders Running Back Doug Martin Passes Away at 36

In a somber announcement, the family of Doug Martin, the former standout…
Brazen Louvre robbery crew may have been hired by collector, prosecutor says

Prosecutor Suggests Collector Might Be Behind Daring Louvre Heist

In a bold heist reminiscent of a movie plot, the Louvre Museum…
'Experienced' Alabama pilot, 2 daughters killed in plane crash in Montana wilderness

Tragic Plane Crash in Montana Wilderness Claims Lives of Veteran Alabama Pilot and His Two Daughters

A tragic plane crash in Montana claimed the lives of an Alabama…
Bill introduced to protect FAA workers' pay amid shutdown

New Legislation Proposed to Safeguard FAA Employees’ Salaries During Government Shutdown

As the government shutdown drags into its third week, affecting countless federal…
Georgia man arrested for allegedly shooting at North Carolina home after tearing down Trump banner

Georgia Resident Arrested for Alleged Gunfire at North Carolina Home Following Trump Banner Removal

Authorities have apprehended a Georgia man accused of tearing down a Trump…