This was surprising to see.
Washington is set to become the center of world diplomacy this week as President Donald Trump welcomes two of America’s closest allies during events honoring the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are both expected to attend Graham’s funeral while also holding separate meetings with President Trump at the White House.
The gathering brings together several of the world’s most closely watched leaders and highlights Graham’s lasting influence on American foreign policy.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the Israeli leader will travel to Washington on Monday after receiving an invitation from President Trump. According to the Israeli government, Netanyahu will meet with Trump at the White House on Tuesday before joining other dignitaries at funeral services for the longtime South Carolina senator.
In a statement, Netanyahu’s office described Graham as a loyal friend of Israel whose support remained steadfast throughout his years in the U.S. Senate.
The White House has also confirmed that President Trump is scheduled to meet separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the day.
Graham maintained a close relationship with Zelensky throughout Russia’s war against Ukraine. The two leaders met in Kyiv just one day before Graham’s passing on July 11, where the senator was reportedly discussing additional sanctions legislation aimed at increasing pressure on Russia.
Throughout his Senate career, Graham became one of the Republican Party’s most recognizable voices on national security and foreign affairs. He consistently advocated for a strong U.S. military, backed America’s alliance with Israel, and strongly supported military and financial assistance for Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion.
His influence on international affairs earned him respect from leaders across the globe, making it unsurprising that heads of government are traveling to Washington to pay their respects.
The meetings between Trump, Netanyahu, and Zelensky are expected to receive significant attention as they take place alongside funeral events. While the focus remains on honoring Graham’s decades of public service, the White House discussions could also touch on ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and the future of America’s relationships with key allies.
As leaders gather in the nation’s capital, Graham’s funeral will serve not only as a farewell to one of the Senate’s most influential Republicans but also as a reminder of the prominent role he played in shaping U.S. foreign policy for more than three decades.
This combination of diplomacy and remembrance is expected to make Tuesday one of Washington’s most closely watched political events of the week.