The cause of the sudden death of Lindsey Graham, one of the most powerful voices on Israel policy in the US Senate, has been officially announced. According to a statement from his office, the 71-year-old senator's death on July 11 was caused by a tear in the inner wall of the main artery leaving the heart (aortic dissection).
Preliminary findings reported by the Washington Post revealed that the condition stemmed from a cardiovascular disease caused by arteriosclerosis. Graham's office announced that the death certificate will be updated once all toxicology and microscopic tests are completed.
Graham had been serving in the Senate since 2003 and was known especially for his unconditional support for Israel. The senator, who openly defended attacks on Gaza, had called for increased US military and diplomatic support. He advocated for tightening sanctions against Iran's nuclear program and keeping the military option on the table.
Shortly before his death, Axios reporter Barak Ravid claimed that Graham told him he was preparing to lay the groundwork for an initiative to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. This claim has not yet been independently verified.
Graham had also drawn attention with his recent activities. On February 16, he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior officials, and on July 10, he visited the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
After Graham's death, some social media users, such as far-right activist Laura Loomer, spread speculation that the senator might have been killed. However, the official statement confirmed that the death was due to natural causes.
