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Senator Lindsey Graham warns Pentagon against halting arms supply to Israel: 'This is Hiroshima & Nagasaki...'

Lindsey Graham warned Pentagon against halting arms supply to Israel during its war against Hamas.

Published on: May 9, 2024, 22:37:36 IST
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Republican Senator Lindsey Graham warned Pentagon against halting arms supply to Israel during its war against Hamas, stating that it was similar to "Hiroshima and Nagasaki on steroids."

If the US cease using weapons to kill Israel's enemies at a critical time, Lindsey Graham said: "We will pay a price". (AFP File Photo)
If the US cease using weapons to kill Israel's enemies at a critical time, Lindsey Graham said: "We will pay a price". (AFP File Photo)

If the US cease using weapons to kill Israel's enemies at a critical time, Graham said: "We will pay a price".

"This is obscene. It is absurd. Give Israel what they need to fight the war they can’t afford to lose,” the Senator added.

Graham's remarks came after State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller hinted that the US may delay further weapons supply to Israel

Stressing that US is "committed to Israel's security", Miller said it is deeply concerned about the ground battle in Rafah and the fate of civilians residing there. Miller argued that Israel has not given a feasible strategy to resolve these challenges.

While Washington has halted one shipment and is examining others, the spokesperson asserted that its staunch support to Israel remains unchanged.

Meanwhile, in a post on X, Graham shared a video of US President Joe Biden, in which he can be heard admitting that Washington halting weapons shipment to Israel is music to the ears of Iranian Ayatollah.

"The only reason they aren’t dancing in Iran is because they don’t believe in dancing," he wrote.

In another tweet, the South Carolina Senator went on to say that ceasing weapons and ammunition shipment to Israel is "a low point in an administration where there is no bottom.

Also Read: Israel reacts to Joe Biden's threat to stop arms for Rafah offensive

Llyod Auston testifies at Senate Appropriations Committee

On Wednesday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin appeared before the a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing regarding the Defence Department's fiscal 2025 budget request.

He spoke about Biden administration's decision to stall delivery of munitions to Israel to defend itself in context to Netanyahu government's plans to launch an offensive in Rafah.

He stressed that US opposes any Israeli ground offensive in Rafah. He clarified that the move to halt arms sales has no links to recently passed foreign aid law, which contains billions of dollars in military funding to Israel.

"We've been very clear...from the very beginning that Israel shouldn't launch a major attack into the Rafah without accounting for and protecting the civilians that are in that battlespace. And again, as we have assessed the situation, we have paused one shipment of high payload munitions," he stated.

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More