WASHINGTON: Prominent US Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of President Donald Trump, died on Saturday aged 71 following a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said in a statement on his official X account.

“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, US Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness,” the Republican senator from South Carolina’s office said, adding that his “family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”

US President Donald ​Trump offered his condolences for the death of ​Graham ‌on Sunday.

“Senator ⁠Lindsey ​Graham, one of ⁠the greatest people and Senators I ⁠have ever ‌known, is ‌dead! ​He ‌was ‌always working, and was a true American ‌Patriot. Lindsey will be ⁠greatly ⁠missed!!!,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Israel’s top officials ​also offered their condolences over ‌Graham's death.