Lindsey Graham funeral draws Netanyahu and Zelenskyy to Trump meetings

The Lindsey Graham funeral is bringing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Washington, where both leaders plan separate meetings with President Donald Trump. For investors who track geopolitical risk, the timing is worth watching because the visits come as fighting in the Iran war is paused and U.S. and Ukrainian officials discuss possible paths to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Netanyahu’s office said he flew to Washington on Monday at Trump’s invitation to attend Graham’s Tuesday funeral service. Zelenskyy also plans to attend the Washington service, MS NOW reported, citing a White House official.

Both leaders are expected to meet with Trump during their visits, according to CNBC. The meetings give Netanyahu and Zelenskyy a chance to press their positions directly with the president at a moment when Washington is involved in both conflicts through diplomacy, military posture and sanctions discussions.

Why are Netanyahu and Zelenskyy meeting Trump?

Zelenskyy’s trip comes as U.S. and Ukrainian officials have been discussing new peace proposals for the war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Graham had recently returned from Ukraine, where he met with Zelenskyy about U.S. sanctions on Russia, before his death.

Netanyahu’s meeting is expected to focus on Israel’s security and the Iran war, according to his own public comments. CNBC reported that Monday marked the third day since any U.S. strikes had been reported in Iran, with the U.S. and Iran appearing to hold a pause in fighting.

Netanyahu wrote Monday on X that his goal in Washington was “to safeguard Israel’s security, strengthen its power, and expand the circle of peace around us.” He also said he would pay tribute to Graham, whom he called a “true friend.” After Graham’s death, Netanyahu wrote in a separate X post that the senator “understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable.”

The two wars crossed over during the weekend, according to accounts from Kyiv and Tehran. Ukraine said its military struck an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea that was carrying weapons to help Russia, killing a sailor. Tehran called the strike a “hostile and criminal act,” and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X that Israel was behind the Ukrainian attack.

What is happening at Lindsey Graham’s funeral?

Graham will be honored in two public services, according to his office. The first will take place Tuesday in Washington at the Washington National Cathedral, where Trump is scheduled to deliver an address. Before the cathedral service, Air Force servicemembers will carry Graham’s remains into the Capitol for recognition of his public service.

After the Washington service, Graham’s remains will be taken to South Carolina for a second service Wednesday. His office said a funeral procession outside the statehouse in Columbia will include an F-16 flyover by the 169th Fighter Wing of the McEntire Joint National Guard Base and a law enforcement presentation. Graham was an Air Force veteran.

A funeral service will follow at First Baptist Church of Columbia, and the family will hold a private burial in Pickens County, South Carolina. Graham’s office said the public can view both ceremonies by livestream.

Graham died on the evening of July 11 from an aortic dissection, CNBC previously reported. Zelenskyy wrote on X the next day that he was “deeply saddened,” saying Graham visited Ukraine 10 times during Russia’s full-scale invasion and remained in “constant dialogue” with him.

Sen. Darline Graham, Graham’s sister, thanked Senate leadership, Trump, the Senate Sergeant at Arms and the venues hosting the services for helping organize the tributes. She was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to replace her brother in the Senate and is running for a full six-year term with Trump’s endorsement.

This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.