Overview

• In his August 13 South Carolina speech, Graham denounced allegations of Israeli genocide by contrasting Israel’s restraint with Hamas’s alleged intent to kill indiscriminately.
• He framed U.S. backing of Israel as a sacred duty, cautioning that if America withdraws support, “God will pull the plug on us.”
• Graham lauded President Trump for standing with Israel during its most difficult time since its founding and urged Republicans to maintain unwavering support.
• The speech directly challenged Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s genocide claims and her demand that AIPAC register as a foreign lobbyist.
• His remarks underscore a deepening GOP divide over continued U.S. aid to Israel, with figures like Steve Bannon, Tucker Carlson and Matt Gaetz joining Greene in questioning support.