The Senate has confirmed Jack Lew as the U.S. ambassador to Israel amidst ongoing attacks from Hamas, a terrorist group targeting the Jewish state. Previously serving as Treasury secretary, Lew’s nomination was announced on September 5 after Tom Nides concluded his ambassadorship on July 21. Israel has faced numerous assaults from Hamas and Hezbollah, both designated as terrorist groups by the U.S. In response to these attacks, Lew testified that he would work tirelessly to protect Israel, secure the release of American hostages, and eliminate payments to terrorists and their families.
Lew’s commitment to Israel stems from his personal connection and upbringing. As an Orthodox Jew, he expressed outrage over the recent Hamas attacks, which resulted in the highest number of Jewish deaths in one day since the Holocaust. If confirmed, he vowed to prevent the conflict from expanding and coordinate with the international community to address the humanitarian crisis faced by innocent civilians in Gaza. For Lew, Israel’s struggle for security has always been a priority, recalling an incident during the 1973 Yom Kippur War during his time in a Washington synagogue.
Furthermore, Lew pledged to bring home U.S. citizens held hostage by Hamas. Over 31 Americans have been among the 4,500 people killed in the recent attacks. However, his nomination faced criticism from Republicans due to his involvement in the Obama administration’s 2015 deal with Iran. The deal provided economic relief to the Iranian regime, which was later withdrawn by the Trump administration. During the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Republicans questioned Lew’s ability to support Israel in the face of the Iranian threat, accusing him of misleading the committee regarding cash transfers to Iran.
Lew addressed these concerns by emphasizing the threat posed by Iran and his commitment to strengthening Israel’s security and relationship with the U.S. He also pledged to combat anti-Semitism. Noting the ongoing Hamas attacks, he acknowledged that negotiations with Iran should be put on hold, despite the potential benefits of a future accord.