Lindsey Graham furious as Netanyahu appoints official who dared criticize Trump
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is furious after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Navy commander Vice Adm. (res.) Eli Sharvit to lead the Shin Bet security service on Monday.
"While it is undeniably true that America has no better friend than Israel, the appointment of Eli Sharvit to be the new leader of the Shin Bet is beyond problematic," Graham wrote on X.
"There has never been a better supporter for the State of Israel than President Trump. The statements made by Eli Sharvit about President Trump and his polices will create unnecessary stress at a critical time. My advice to my Israeli friends is change course and do better vetting."
Sharvit penned an op-ed after the inauguration criticizing Trump for his climate policies.
ALSO READ: 'Don’t think the numbers are real': GOP senator joins Dems in doubting Senate's budget
Sharvit headed the Green energy company QD-SOL and wrote on Jan. 23 for Calcalist that Trump's policies are "destructive."
"President Trump chose to abandon the important goal of zero emissions by 2050 and focus on promoting polluting fuels, based on a short-term conservative perspective aimed at maximizing immediate profits," Sharvit wrote, according to The Jerusalem Post.
"We live in an era where the public demands more accountability from governments and corporations. Trump's choice to ignore these demands sends a message to the world that the United States is shirking its global leadership," Sharvit continued.
"American leadership on climate and the environment failed under the previous Trump administration, and now it is our responsibility to ensure that it does not fail again," he added.
Now Netanyahu may consider changing his mind on Sharvit, the Times of Israel reported, citing an Israeli source. The person said Netanyahu hasn't made a final decision.
The Times also reported that Sharvit participated in protests "against the government’s contentious judicial overhaul plans."