The US Senate officially confirmed the appointment of Jack Lew as the next US ambassador to Israel on Tuesday evening, ending a prolonged delay that had been caused by political wrangling between Republicans and Democrats. The confirmation process had been stalled since September, hampering the appointment of key officials in the US Foreign Service.
Jack Lew, a 68-year-old Orthodox Jew, brings a wealth of experience to his new role as ambassador. He previously served as the Treasury Secretary and Chief of Staff to President Barack Obama. His impending appointment comes in the wake of Tom Neides' retirement earlier this summer. Lew is widely recognized for his deep ties to the American Jewish community and his support for the two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
🚨US Activists Disrupt Nomination of New US Ambassador to Israel#Israel #StopGazaGenocide pic.twitter.com/kNvX4nAEwo
— Faizal Mammar (@faizal_mammar) October 30, 2023
Born and raised in New York, Lew earned his bachelor's degree from Harvard University in 1978 and graduated from law school at Georgetown University in 1983. Over the years, he has held various prominent positions in American politics on behalf of the Democratic Party. In 2014, the "Jerusalem Post" included him in its list of the fifty most influential Jews in the world.
The Senate confirmed Lew's appointment with a solid majority, voting 53 in favor to 4 against. Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Democratic majority in the Senate, emphasized the significance of this vote, stating, "The vote on Lew's nomination is one of the most important in the Senate for a long time. Israel is facing significant challenges, and the United States must stand by its side. Having an ambassador in place is a crucial step at this moment."
Notably, Lew's nomination faced opposition from many Republicans, primarily due to his involvement in the Iran nuclear deal. Republican lawmakers on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee raised concerns about his support for the agreement, arguing that it allowed Iran to finance its terrorist proxies in the Middle East.
Jack Lew, who resides in Riverdale (which I proudly represent), has been confirmed as the new US Ambassador to the State of Israel.
— Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) November 1, 2023
Ambassador Lew is one of the finest public servants of our time. Both Americans and Israelis will be well served by his wise and steady… pic.twitter.com/NCkcIU3p86
However, a senior official from the Biden administration defended the decision to appoint Lew, stating, "During this critical phase in the US-Israel relationship, it is essential to have a high-level ambassador who can directly represent the President and is respected internationally and by both sides." The official also emphasized Lew's unique authority to address the complex political situation in Israel, stating, "When Mr. Lew speaks, you know he speaks for the President. No one carries greater authority to navigate the intricate political landscape in Israel right now, underscoring the President's commitment to the US-Israel relationship."
