Statement from U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham

"I just finished one of the most consequential and important visits to our great friend Israel since I've been to elected office. We live in very challenging times full of danger but there are incredibly historic opportunities ahead.

"I listened to Prime Minister Netanyahu's ideas about how to build on existing partnerships to secure weapons of the future, and it made a lot of sense. The Prime Minister convinced me that Israel is developing weapons that will change the future of warfare. They would love to partner with the United States, which is the most important form of aid we could ever give them and the most important event that would provide security to both countries. Most importantly, the aid is a partnership and working together on weapons development would significantly enhance the security of both the United States and Israel. I told the Prime Minister this makes eminent sense to me, and I will go back to Washington, looking at this potential joint venture as a 21^st century 'Manhattan Project.' Failure is not an option -- we have to get ahead of our enemies.

"I have been as clear as I know how to be for a very long time that the ayatollah's regime in Iran is second to none in terms of threats to the United States, Israel, the region, and the world. If Iran had a nuclear weapon, I know they would use it. They are religious Nazis. We've been working with Israel for years to contain this threat and to cripple the ayatollah's desire to enact his religious Nazi regime.

"President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu have been one of the most successful duos for the security and prosperity for the United States and Israel since the founding of the one and only Jewish state. President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu have done great and necessary things to protect Israel, and to make the United States and our allies safer.

"This is an invaluable relationship that will further America's economic prosperity and security interests. When it comes to Israel, we have common enemies and common values. After my visit, I believe this partnership will continue to pay dividends in historic ways."

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