The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved the nomination of Jacob Lew to be the next U.S. ambassador to Israel.

The Senate could vote on Lew’s confirmation as early as next week. It’s expected to move on the nomination quickly, given the critical nature of U.S.-Israeli ties amid Israel’s raging conflict with Hamas.

Lew was approved by the committee Wednesday on a 12-9 vote, with all Republicans except for Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky voting against him.

Lew, who previously served in the Obama administration as treasury secretary and budget director, was nominated for the ambassador position last month by President Joe Biden.  Former Israel ambassador Tom Nide left the position in July.

While stating that he would ensure that Israel has all the resources it needs to defend itself following the October 7 attacks carried out by Hamas, Lew has also said he would look into the humanitarian crisis facing civilians in Gaza.

Lew enjoys support from Democrats who praise his government experience as enough qualification for him to have the job.

Republicans have concerns over his ability to deal with Iran, a key supporter of Hamas. Lew played a key role in negotiating the 2015 deal that eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran accepting limits on its nuclear program.

Former President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the deal in 2018.

In a hearing last week, Republican Senator Jim Risch voiced concern that Lew was giving “backhanded support” to Iran.

Lew refuted this and has described the Iranian government as an “evil, malign government.”

Some information in this report was taken from The Associated Press and Reuters.
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