Ambassador to Israel: Ex-Treasury Secretary Lew to face senators; to face intense questioning over his Iran relation

Jacob Lew, former Treasury Secretary who has worked for Barack Obama and nominated by Biden to be the ambassador to Israel is expected to face the Senate on Wednesday at a time when Biden is on a visit to Israel amidst tensions with Hamas.

Citing his experience as a White House chief of staff and director of the Office of Management and Budget under Obama, the Democrats believe Lew will be able to provide justice to the position and strengthen the relationship between the nations.

Washington has not had an ambassador to Israel since July when Tom Nides left the post, and rising concern over the conflict between Israel and Hamas has drawn attention to the vacancy.


Committee Chairman Ben Cardin, D-Md., said Tuesday that Lew, who goes by Jack, is "an outstanding, qualified person" and that it is urgent to have a confirmed ambassador to help Israel as it navigates the war, works to release hostages held by Hamas and deals with increasing concerns about tensions on the northern border with Hezbollah.

"It is as critical as ever" to fill the post quickly, Cardin said.

Lew's connection to Iran
Despite the support from Democrats, the nominee Lew is expected to face intense questioning about his connection with Iran at the hearing on Wednesday by the Republicans.

Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas has said he views Lew as too sympathetic to Iran, Hamas' chief sponsor, and will fight his nomination.

Lew has been criticised heavily for his role during the negotiations of the Iran nuclear agreement in 2015, among other foreign policy moves under Obama, and that opposition could slow his nomination.

The deal with Iran was sealed in 2015 but later scuttled by President Donald Trump. Biden has sought to resurrect the pact, which would provide Tehran with billions of dollars in sanctions relief in exchange for the country agreeing to roll back its nuclear program.

Lew has been visiting senators' offices ahead of his hearing to shore up support.

The request to Congress would cover a year, according to another person familiar with the Biden administration's expected request.

Sanction of $100 Billion Package
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing comes as the White House has told lawmakers that it is considering a request of between $90 billion and $100 billion for the wars in Israel and Ukraine and for Taiwan as it faces threats from China, according to four people familiar with the conversations.

The White House could make a formal request for the foreign war aid as soon as this week.

The package could face major obstacles as some Republicans have balked at linking the money for Israel with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

(With agency inputs)