Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) compared Israel's planned assault on Rafah to the U.S. decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in an effort to speed up the end of World War II.
When "Meet the Press" host Kristen Welker asked why Israel needed the "most massive bombs" in its fight with Hamas, the South Carolina Republican made the link.
"Why did we drop two bombs, nuclear bombs, on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?" Graham asked before answering: "To end a war we couldn't afford to lose."
He said Israel, like the United States in 1945, is fighting for its survival.
"Israel, do whatever you have to do to survive as a Jewish state," Graham said, looking directly into the camera.
WATCH: Sen. @LindseyGrahamSC compares the Israel-Hamas war to WWII:
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) May 12, 2024
“Why did we drop two ... nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? To end a war we couldn’t afford to lose. ... That was the right decision. ... Israel, do whatever you have to do to survive as a Jewish state.” pic.twitter.com/Wo5wUQaYpF
President Biden last week threatened that he would halt shipments of some weapons to Israel if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an invasion of the Gaza city of Rafah. Biden said the assault would cause a humanitarian disaster.
Graham called Biden's decision a historic mistake.
"This is the worst decision in the history of the U.S.-Israel relationship to deny weapons at a time the Jewish state could be destroyed," he said
While the Biden administration could limit some large weapons, it does not plan to cut off most military aid to the Israelis.
"My issue is not with the weapons that Israel is using," Graham said. "My problem is with the tactics Hamas is using."
When Welker tried to point out that some U.S. military officials have said that technology has improved and Israel does not need bombs that can wipe out entire city blocks to win the war, Graham said they were "full of crap."
More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in a war launched by Israel for retailiation of a Hamas assault in early October that killed some 1200 Israelis and seized hundreds of hostages.
Palestinians are now fleeing for their lives in Rafah after Israel ordered 300,000 Palestinians to evacuate to "safe zones" as it prepares for a planned full assault on the area.
