Senate Confirms Jacob Lew, Ex-Treasury Secretary Under Obama, as U.S. Ambassador to Israel

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In a critical diplomatic move, the United States Senate has approved Jacob Lew to serve as the ambassador to Israel, a position crucially significant amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Formerly serving as the treasury secretary under President Barack Obama, Lew secured confirmation through a Senate vote of 53-43.

Lew committed to standing in solidarity with Israel’s leadership, especially in light of Hamas’s unexpected attack on October 7. During his confirmation hearings in mid-October, Lew asserted that his immediate priority would be to reinforce the bilateral relationship between the United States and Israel.

Jacob Lew, commonly known as Jack, was nominated by President Joe Biden last month to occupy the role vacated by Tom Nides in July. Democrats argue that Lew’s extensive experience in public service, which includes his previous roles as Obama’s chief of staff and budget director under both Obama and President Bill Clinton, uniquely qualifies him for the ambassadorial post during this pivotal period in U.S.-Israeli relations.

John Kirby, the spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, stated post-confirmation that the administration looks forward to Lew commencing his diplomatic efforts, both to assist Israel in its struggle against Hamas and to lead the U.S. initiatives in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza’s residents.

Although confirmed, Lew faced criticism from Republicans for his involvement in negotiating the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement while in the Obama administration. Given that Iran is a principal supporter of Hamas, the deal was later abandoned by former President Donald Trump. Idaho Senator Jim Risch, the leading Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, voiced his opposition, stating that Lew was an inappropriate choice given the current geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran.

In contrast, Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a Democrat from Maryland, lauded Lew for garnering support from Israeli leaders and emphasized his suitability to strengthen the U.S.-Israel alliance.

During the confirmation hearing, Lew stood by his previous policy actions and labeled Iran as a malevolent government that threatens regional stability and Israel’s existence. He also extended his condolences to the civilians affected by the ongoing hostilities on both sides, emphasizing that any resolution must ensure Israel’s security.

Being of Jewish descent, Lew confessed in his hearing that the issue of Israel’s security has consistently been a matter of personal concern throughout his life.

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This report includes contributions from Big Big News writer Aamer Madhani.

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