Senate Committee Advances Nomination of Jack Lew as Israel Ambassador Despite Republican Opposition

Nomination proceeds amid war with Hamas, with GOP members voicing concerns over Lew's past involvement in Iranian assets conversion and support for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

Jack Lew's nomination for ambassador to Israel has been advanced by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, despite significant Republican opposition. The committee approved Lew in a 12-9 vote, with Rand Paul as the only Republican in favor.
Republicans' primary criticisms of Lew are grounded in his past work with the Obama administration, particularly his involvement in the conversion of billions of dollars of Iranian assets using the U.S. financial system and his support for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Many Republicans have voiced concerns that Lew may not adequately address the threat Iran poses to the regional stability and Israel's existence, additionally finding issue with his support of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and the lack of veto for a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding a halt to Israeli settlement construction.
Lew defended his past decisions during the hearing, asserting his acknowledgment of Iran as a threat to regional stability and Israel, and pledged to uphold President Biden's commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The final vote on Lew's appointment could happen as early as next week. If confirmed, he would fill in the role of an ambassador during a crucial time for U.S-Israel relations, amidst the conflict with Hamas and the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.