South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham engaged in a heated debate with NBC anchor Kristen Welker over President Biden's plan to restrict weapons to Israel as it combats Hamas. Graham denounced the suggestion, asserting that it would embolden Israel's adversaries and undermine its ability to defend itself.
Senator Lindsey Graham erupted in anger during an NBC interview with anchor Kristen Welker over the Biden administration's consideration of withholding weapons from Israel amidst its ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Welker initiated the discussion by citing unnamed "military officials" who purportedly supported the suspension of arms shipments to Israel. However, Graham vehemently rejected the claim, exclaiming, "These military officials that you're talking about are full of crap!"
Graham argued that restricting weapons to Israel during a time of war sends a perilous message to its enemies. "When you're telling the world you're going to restrict weapons delivery to the Jewish state, who is fighting a three-front war for their survival, it emboldens Iran," he stated.
Graham contended that such a move would also embolden Hamas and its leader, Yahya Sinwar. "Sinwar is probably juiced up on the idea [that] there's daylight between the United States and Israel," he said.
Welker countered by invoking the precedent set by former President Ronald Reagan, who withheld weapons from Israel on several occasions to influence its military actions. Graham dismissed this comparison, arguing that a more appropriate historical analogy was the U.S. decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end World War II.
"Why is it OK for America to drop two nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end their existential threat war. Why was it OK to do that? I thought it was OK?" Graham asked rhetorically.
He concluded by emphasizing Israel's right to defend itself by any means necessary. "To Israel: Do whatever you have to do to survive as a Jewish state," he declared. "Whatever you have to do!"
Graham's stance on the issue has garnered support from both Republicans and Democrats, who have criticized President Biden's threat to halt weapons shipments to Israel if it launches a major invasion of Rafah, Hamas' last stronghold in Gaza.
Critics argue that such a move would undermine Israel's ability to protect its citizens and send a dangerous signal to its adversaries. They contend that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas' indiscriminate rocket attacks and that the United States should stand by its ally in this time of need.
The Biden administration's policy has also drawn criticism from the Israeli government, which has expressed concern that it could embolden Hamas and hinder Israel's efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
The debate over the provision of weapons to Israel is likely to continue as the conflict between Israel and Hamas rages on. The Biden administration faces a delicate balancing act, seeking to maintain its commitment to Israel's security while also pressing for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
