In a surprising turn of events, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has expressed support for the Biden administration's push to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Graham, known as a staunch critic of President Biden, commended the administration's efforts to stabilize the Middle East following the recent war between Israel and Hamas.

During an interview on NBC News' "Meet the Press," Senator Graham highlighted the significance of normalized relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia as a setback for their common adversary, Iran. Graham acknowledged that Iran opposes any rapprochement between Israel and Arab states, making this development a potential long-term blow to the Iranian regime.

The Biden administration has identified the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia as a cornerstone of its foreign policy agenda. However, progress towards this goal has been hindered by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Nonetheless, the United States remains determined to pursue normalized relations between the two countries, believing it to be crucial for any future peace plan between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Senator Graham emphasized the importance of reviving normalization efforts, stating that preventing Iran from undermining the reconciliation between Israel and Saudi Arabia is essential for effectively countering the Iranian threat. He urged the Biden administration not to let Iran escape unpunished for its attempts to sabotage the potential diplomatic breakthrough.

However, hopes for sustained diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia have been clouded by Israel's recent retaliatory actions against Hamas. The conflict has resulted in an alarming number of casualties, with health officials in Gaza reporting over 18,700 Palestinians killed thus far. Images of Palestinian women and children dying in Israel's offensive have sparked international outrage and have the potential to stir public anger within Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations.

Graham acknowledged this challenge, stating that countries like Saudi Arabia cannot progress with normalization if they are perceived as abandoning the Palestinians. He presented two choices in the wake of the conflict: continuing the cycle of violence or utilizing the recent events as a catalyst for positive change.

Israel is now facing pressure from the Biden administration to limit civilian casualties in Gaza by scaling back its offensive. Compliance with these demands could reignite interest in the ultimate goal of normalized relations between Israel and oil-rich Saudi Arabia, which Graham referred to as "the big prize."

The White House's National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby, affirmed the administration's commitment to pursuing the normalization arrangement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Kirby emphasized that an integrated Israel is in the region's best interests and indicated that the administration will not give up on this objective.

Notably, Senator Graham's support for the Biden administration's efforts to stabilize the Middle East and normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia showcases a rare moment of agreement between the senator and the administration. Despite their policy disagreements, Graham underscored his priority of assisting President Biden in improving the situation in the Middle East rather than engaging in impeachment inquiries.

As developments unfold in the region, the path towards normalization remains uncertain. However, Senator Lindsey Graham's unexpected support marks a noteworthy shift in dynamics, raising hopes for a future where Israel and Saudi Arabia can forge diplomatic ties and contribute to regional stability.