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WASHINGTON — The Senate has confirmed Jacob Lew as ambassador to Israel, filling the important thing diplomatic submit because the nation is combating a conflict with Hamas.
Lew, a treasury secretary below President Barack Obama, was confirmed 53-43.
He has promised to face aspect by aspect with Israel‘s leaders as they reply to the militant group’s shock assault on Oct. 7, telling senators in his affirmation listening to in mid-October that “at this second, there isn’t any better mission than to be requested to strengthen the ties between the USA and the state of Israel.”
President Joe Biden nominated Lew, who goes by Jack, final month to fill the submit left vacant when Tom Nides left as ambassador in July. Democrats say Lew’s wealth of presidency expertise – he additionally was chief of workers to Obama and White Home price range director below Obama and President Invoice Clinton – makes him the proper particular person to fill the submit at a a essential second within the two nations’ relationship.
U.S. Nationwide Safety Council spokesman John Kirby stated after Lew’s affirmation that the administration is keen for him “to get on the bottom and begin main our efforts to help Israel and their battle in opposition to Hamas, but in addition to assist us combine and proceed to guide the trouble to get humanitarian help to the individuals of Gaza.”
Republicans criticized Lew for his position within the Obama White Home when it negotiated the Iran nuclear settlement in 2015, amongst different international coverage strikes. The cope with Iran – the chief sponsor of Hamas – was later scuttled by former President Donald Trump.
“That is the flawed particular person on the flawed time within the flawed place,” stated Idaho Sen. Jim Risch, the highest Republican on the Senate Overseas Relations Committee, simply earlier than the vote. “The very last thing we’d like is anyone who may be very opposite to our view about how Iran needs to be dealt with.”
Senate Overseas Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin, D-Md., stated that Lew has gained reward from Israeli leaders and has the gravitas to “stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel” as the USA companions with the nation.
“There’s to me no query about his {qualifications}, no query about his presence being welcomed by our Israeli buddies, no query about his information and dedication to those points,” Cardin stated. “We couldn’t have a extra certified particular person to signify America as our ambassador to Israel.”
On the listening to, Lew defended his work within the Obama White Home and referred to as Iran an “evil, malign authorities.”
“I wish to be clear – Iran is a menace to regional stability and to Israel’s existence,” Lew stated.
He additionally expressed sympathy for the civilians on either side who’ve been injured or killed within the combating. It should finish, Lew stated, “nevertheless it has to finish with Israel’s safety being assured.”
Lew, who’s Jewish, stated on the listening to that he can not bear in mind a time in his life “when Israel’s wrestle for safety was not on the forefront of my thoughts.”
• Related Press author Aamer Madhani contributed to this report.
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