Lindsey Graham: "Israel will take Gaza like we did in Tokyo and Berlin"

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) sparked controversy today during an interview on NBC’s *Meet the Press*, comparing Israel’s military operations in Gaza to the U.S. destruction of Tokyo and Berlin during World War II. Discussing the next phase of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Graham stated, “

“I think President Trump has come to believe, and I certainly have come to believe, there’s no way you’re going to negotiate an end of this war with Hamas,” Graham said. "They’re going to do in Gaza what we did in Tokyo and Berlin, take the place by force and start over again, presenting a better future for the Palestinians, hopefully having the Arabs take over the West Bank and Gaza,” as reported by NBC.

The remarks, attributed to discussions with White House and Israeli officials, suggest an intensification of Israel’s campaign against Hamas, which Graham framed as a necessary escalation to dismantle the group.

Graham’s comparison draws on the extensive Allied bombing campaigns that devastated Tokyo and Berlin, resulting in significant civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction. The statement follows his earlier controversial comments in 2024, where he likened Israel’s actions to the U.S. nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, urging Israel to “do whatever you have to do” to defeat Hamas. Critics, including arms control activists and international observers, have condemned such rhetoric as inflammatory, with some accusing Graham of endorsing excessive force. Posts on X reflect public outrage, with users labeling the remarks as genocidal and pointing to Graham’s history of provocative statements on Gaza.

Graham’s stance contrasts with calls from the UN and some U.S. officials for restraint to mitigate civilian suffering.