Lindsey Graham Urges Swift Action Against Hamas, Calls Hezbollah Disarmament a Critical Step

Washington, D.C. – August 28, 2025 – In an exclusive interview with The Jerusalem Post, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized that defeating Hamas is a "non-negotiable" priority that must be achieved as quickly as possible to restore stability in the Middle East. The senator’s remarks come amid heightened tensions and ongoing efforts to address the influence of Iran-backed groups in the region, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

Graham underscored the urgency of neutralizing Hamas, the Palestinian terror group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and sparked the ongoing Gaza conflict. "Hamas remains a clear and present danger," Graham stated. "Its defeat is not just a goal—it’s a necessity, and it needs to happen fast to prevent further destabilization." He stressed that delays in dismantling the group’s military capabilities could prolong the conflict, risking further loss of life and regional escalation.

The senator also addressed Lebanon’s recent announcement that disarming Hezbollah, another Iran-backed militia, is now a “national goal.” Graham described this as a significant first step but cautioned that rhetoric must translate into concrete action. “Words are important, but they’re not enough,” he said during the interview, conducted shortly after his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Baabda on August 26, 2025. “Hezbollah’s arsenal has long been a threat to both Lebanon’s sovereignty and Israel’s security. The Lebanese government must follow through with decisive measures.”

Graham’s comments reflect growing international pressure on Lebanon to curb Hezbollah’s influence, particularly following the group’s weakened state after a 13-month war with Israel that ended in a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November 2024. The conflict left Hezbollah’s leadership decimated and its arsenal significantly reduced, with Israeli forces and the Lebanese army reportedly destroying or seizing weapons caches. Despite this, Hezbollah has resisted full disarmament, with its leader, Naim Qassem, warning that such moves could lead to a “civil war” and asserting the group’s right to resist Israeli aggression.

The senator’s visit to Lebanon comes at a critical juncture, as the U.S. pushes for the Lebanese government to consolidate arms under state control, a key condition for unlocking billions in international aid needed to rebuild the war-torn country. Lebanon’s economy, battered by years of crisis and the recent conflict, faces an estimated $11 billion in reconstruction costs, according to the World Bank. Graham echoed calls from U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who has pressed for a rapid disarmament timeline, emphasizing that Hezbollah’s refusal to comply could jeopardize Lebanon’s recovery.

However, Graham acknowledged the delicate balance Lebanon faces. Forcing Hezbollah’s disarmament risks internal conflict, given the group’s strong support among Lebanon’s Shia community and its remaining political influence. “This is a tightrope,” Graham noted. “The Lebanese government must act decisively but avoid plunging the country into chaos.” He urged international support for President Aoun’s efforts to strengthen state authority, including deploying 10,000 Lebanese troops along the Israeli border to enforce the ceasefire.

Graham also tied the Hezbollah issue to broader regional dynamics, noting that Iran’s weakened position—following the fall of its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and setbacks for its proxies—presents a rare opportunity to curb the “Axis of Resistance.” He called for sustained U.S. and international pressure on Iran to prevent it from rearming Hezbollah or other groups.

As the Biden administration prepares to hand over to President-elect Donald Trump, Graham expressed confidence that the incoming administration would maintain a hardline stance against Hamas and Hezbollah. “The Trump effect has already shifted the calculus,” he said, referencing the president-elect’s warnings of severe consequences if regional conflicts persist.

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