Graham says ‘no amount ’ of Palestinian deaths would make him question Israel

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Tuesday that no number of civilian deaths in Gaza would cause him to question Israel’s goal of eradicating Hamas.

In an interview on CNN’s “NewsNight,” Graham made clear his support for Israel would not waver under any circumstance. Still, he said they should “be smart” and try to limit civilian casualties, which he said Israel is trying to do.

Asked whether there should be a threshold where he starts questioning Israel’s tactics in its war against Hamas, the senator said “no.”

“If somebody asked us after World War II, is there a limit to what you would do to make sure that Japan and Germany don’t conquer the world? Is there any limit to what Israel should do to the people who are trying to slaughter the Jews? The answer is no,” Graham said.

“There is no limit, but here’s what you need to do: Be smart. Let’s try to limit civilian casualties the best we can. Let’s put humanitarian aid in areas that protect the innocent. I’m all for that,” the South Carolina Republican continued. “But this idea that Israel has to apologize for attacking Hamas, who’s embedded with their own population, needs to stop.”

Israel confirmed Tuesday that its strikes hit a densely populated refugee camp, where a high-ranking Hamas official was strategically located. Pressed about the news, Graham underscored the gruesome tactics Hamas took Oct. 7.