US Senator Lindsey Graham on 13 August defended continued American military and financial backing for Israel, declaring that “if America pulls the plug on Israel, God will pull the plug on us.” His remarks, circulated widely online, came as some lawmakers and advocacy groups press the Biden administration to curb arms shipments and other assistance over the civilian toll of Israel’s campaign in Gaza. Graham, a longstanding Republican voice on foreign-policy matters, dismissed accusations that Israel is committing genocide and instead portrayed the country as acting in legitimate self-defense. The comments underscore the deep divisions in Washington over how to respond to the war, which Gaza health officials say has killed tens of thousands and sparked calls from parts of Congress to impose new conditions on US aid.