Kaine Applauds Committee Vote to Advance U.S. Ambassadors to Israel and Egypt

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), applauded the committee’s vote to advance the nominations of Jack Lew to be U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Herro Mustafa Garg to be U.S. Ambassador to Egypt. Lew and Garg now await a vote by the full Senate.

“In the wake of Hamas’ horrific terrorist attacks, a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and rising threats to U.S. national security across the region, it’s crucial that we have our ambassadors in Jerusalem and Cairo,” said Kaine. “Today’s committee votes to advance Lew and Garg are a critical step towards helping Israel defend itself against Hamas terrorism, providing much-needed humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, and freeing hostages from Hamas. I urge the full Senate to confirm Lew and Garg as soon as possible.”

Last week, Lew met with Kaine and appeared before SFRC for his nomination hearing. Kaine has urged the Senate to confirm U.S. ambassador nominees for Israel and Egypt, as well as the nominee for Lebanon and the State Department’s Counterterrorism Coordinator position.

Kaine has urged the governments of Egypt and Qatar to provide assistance in securing the release of Americans, Israelis, and others being held hostage in Gaza by Hamas. Kaine joined his colleagues in urging the Biden Administration to contribute to the United Nations’ emergency appeal to address humanitarian needs in Gaza and the West Bank.

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