Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Sunday in Jerusalem with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, reaffirming the strength of the U.S.-Israel alliance and issuing clear warnings about ongoing security threats from Hamas and Hezbollah.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Senator Lindsey Graham, a great friend of Israel and a great personal friend,” Netanyahu said at the start of the meeting. “We have no better friends.” The prime minister extended a warm Hanukkah greeting, underscoring the long-standing partnership between Israel and the United States.

Senator Graham returned the sentiment, congratulating Netanyahu and reflecting on recent achievements. “You look great, Bibi. Happy Hanukkah to everybody,” Graham said. “We’ve had a lot of success in 2025. I want to make sure 2026 is the year of peace and knocking out the bad guy.”

Graham offered a blunt assessment of the current security situation, warning that terrorist organizations are exploiting pauses in fighting to rebuild their capabilities. He stated that Hamas is not moving toward disarmament, but instead is actively rearming and attempting to consolidate its control over Gaza. “That’s an unacceptable outcome,” Graham said, adding that Hezbollah is also continuing to expand its weapons arsenal in southern Lebanon.

The remarks come amid fragile ceasefire arrangements in both Gaza and Lebanon that Israeli officials have repeatedly warned are being violated or manipulated by terrorist groups. Israeli leaders have consistently maintained that any long-term stability requires the dismantling of terror infrastructure, not its preservation under the guise of diplomacy.

The meeting highlighted continued coordination between Jerusalem and key U.S. allies as Israel faces persistent threats on multiple fronts. Both Netanyahu and Graham emphasized that peace cannot be achieved by ignoring reality on the ground, and that deterrence, accountability, and strength remain essential to preventing further conflict.

As Israel enters 2026 facing unresolved regional threats, the visit underscored bipartisan American support for Israel’s right to defend itself and confront forces that seek its destruction.