US senate approves Biden's new ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The Senate narrowly approved former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew to be the new US envoy to Israel on Tuesday amid Israel's expanding war in the besieged Gaza Strip.

The chamber voted 53 - 43, largely along party lines, to approve Lew's nomination despite Republican opposition. The party largely opposed his nomination because of his role in brokering former President Barack Obama's landmark nuclear deal with Iran that saw Tehran receive billions in sanctions relief in exchange for sweeping curbs on its program.

Lew previously served as Treasury chief during the Obama administration from 2013 - 2017 and was one of the key figures during the international negotiations that led to the 2015 deal.

Speaking during Lew's confirmation, Republican Sen. Jim Risch said he had "reservations" about Lew's nomination due to his role in crafting the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

"You played a key role in supporting the Obama Administration’s nuclear negotiations, and I’ve had longstanding concerns over a lack of transparency before Congress on the transfers of cash to the regime," said the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's top Republican.

"I’m here to support Israel today, help every way I can, but it is important that we get the right person in this position," he added.

The US has been operating without a full-time envoy in Israel following the departure of Tom Nides this summer. US President Joe Biden nominated Lew in early September.

Lew is a graduate of Harvard University and Georgetown University Law School. Before serving in the top spot at the Treasury where, according to the White House, he had "broad responsibilities for economic diplomacy," Lew was Director of the Office of Management and Budget from 1998-2001, and served as a special assistant to former US President Bill Clinton.