Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina known for his unyielding support of Israel and frequent calls for US military intervention abroad, has died at age 71 after a sudden illness. Main Developments Graham's death was confirmed by his office, which cited a sudden illness as the cause. He served in the Senate since 2003 and was a prominent voice on foreign policy, often breaking with his party to advocate for aggressive US action in the Middle East. Read also: 3 defining achievements of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani His record includes strong backing for the Iraq War, support for military strikes in Syria, and consistent opposition to any constraints on US arms sales to Israel. Graham was also a close ally of former President Donald Trump, though he occasionally criticized Trump's isolationist impulses. Background Graham first entered the Senate after serving in the House of Representatives. He rose to prominence as a defense hawk, co-sponsoring legislation that expanded US military engagement in the Middle East and tightening sanctions on Iran. His relationship with Trump was complex: Graham initially ran against Trump in the 2016 primaries but became one of his strongest defenders during the impeachment trials. On foreign policy, Graham frequently urged Trump to maintain a hardline stance on Iran and Israel. Why It Matters Graham's death removes a key congressional voice pushing for sustained US military intervention in the Middle East. His absence could shift the balance in the Senate toward more caution on foreign deployments, particularly regarding Israel and Iran. What's Next A special election will be held in South Carolina to fill Graham's seat. The timing of that vote will determine the balance of power in the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a narrow majority.