Jack Lew testifies during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Oct. 18. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
The Senate on Tuesday confirmed former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew's nomination to become the next U.S. ambassador to Israel.
Why it matters: Lew's confirmation fills a months-long vacancy and comes at a critical moment, as the U.S. prepares for the possibility of a wider regional conflict in the Middle East amid the Israel-Hamas war.
State of play: The Senate voted 53-43 to confirm Lew's nomination.
- "With everything happening in Israel right now, confirming Jack Lew at this moment will be one of the most important and consequential nomination votes the Senate has taken in a long time," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) had said ahead of the vote Tuesday.
- Lew has a "strong, long, proven record as a public servant," Schumer added.
Background: Lew had faced Republican opposition due to his past involvement in the Iran nuclear deal.
- Last week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted to advance Lew's nomination largely along party lines, with only one Republican — Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul — joining all Democrats to approve Lew.
The big picture: The U.S. hasn't had a Senate-confirmed ambassador to Israel since July, when Tom Nides left the position.
- President Biden nominated Lew in September to fill the role.
- Lew held several positions during the Obama administration, including Treasury Secretary between 2013 and 2017 and White House chief of staff.
Editor's note: This story is developing and will be updated.