US Senate debates appointment of ambassador to Israel

The one appointed by the president Joe Biden as ambassador to Israel told the Senate on Wednesday that, if confirmed in the position, he will ensure that “Israel will have what it needs to defend itself” and that it will collaborate with the American ally to end the attacks of Hamas.

Jacob Lew, Treasury secretary under President Barack Obama, vowed to coordinate with the international community to resolve the humanitarian crisis facing civilians in Gaza amid Israeli air raids. The Senate hearing comes while Biden is in Israel to bolster U.S. support and try to de-escalate the situation in the ongoing war with Hamas.

“At this moment, there is no mission greater than the request to strengthen ties between the United States and the State of Israel and work for peace in a region that has suffered so much war and destruction.”Lew said in his opening statement.

The Senate is rushing to debate the appointment of Lew as ambassador to Israel, appointed by Biden last month to succeed Tom Nides, who left the post in July. Democrats say Lew, who was also the presidential chief of staff and director of the Office of Management and Budget in the Obama administration, has just the experience to fill the position at such an important moment in the bilateral relationship.

The Foreign Relations Committee of the upper house meets while the White House has told lawmakers that it is considering asking for between $90,000 and $100,000 million for the wars in Israel and Ukraine and for Taiwan in the face of threats from China, according to four people aware of the negotiations. The request to Congress would cover one year, according to another person familiar with the government’s request.

Commission Chairman Ben Cardin said Tuesday that Lew is a “outstanding and qualified person” and that there is an urgent need to confirm an ambassador to help Israel navigate the war, secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and respond to growing tensions with Hezbollah on its northern border. He added that it is also important “keep conversations about normalization alive” that could improve diplomatic relations between Israel and the Arab countries in the region.

“It is as crucial as ever” fill the position quickly, Cardin said.

Several Republicans on the committee said they had concerns about Lew, which could delay confirmation. The commission is expected to vote next week and submit it to the full Senate.

The White House could present the formal request for funds for foreign wars this week. Although support for Israel in the Senate is almost unanimous, a $100 billion package, if that is what the Democratic administration is asking for, could face major obstacles as some Republicans oppose tying the funds to the conflict. in Ukraine. The House of Representatives has been in chaos since Republicans unexpectedly ousted its speaker, Kevin McCarthy, two weeks ago.

The leader of the Republican senatorial bloc, Mitch McConnell, supports linking funds for the two countries and Taiwan, but with the condition of additional measures to control immigration at the southern border.