Graham Urges Israel to ‘Annihilate’ Hamas, Citing WWII Example

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on Sunday urged Israel to intensify its military campaign against Hamas, saying the militant group should be “annihilated” in the same manner that the United States defeated Germany and Japan in World War II. Speaking as the fighting in Gaza entered its tenth month, the South Carolina Republican added that, once Hamas is dismantled, the international community should help “rebuild Palestinian society,” drawing a parallel to the post-war reconstruction of Germany and Japan. Graham, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a frequent commentator on Middle East policy, did not outline specific measures Washington should take but insisted that current efforts are insufficient. His remarks underscore the growing divide in U.S. politics over the scale and objectives of Israel’s offensive.