Kaine Statement on Senate Confirmation of Jack Lew to be U.S. Ambassador to Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Jack Lew to be U.S. Ambassador to Israel:

“The confirmation of Jack Lew to be U.S. Ambassador to Israel is crucial to making sure Israel has the resources to defend itself against Hamas’ terrorism, securing the release of hostages, and helping facilitate the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. As the crisis in the region continues to evolve, I call on my Senate colleagues to expedite confirmation votes for the U.S. Ambassadors to Egypt and Lebanon and the State Department’s Counterterrorism Coordinator position as soon as possible.”

Kaine met with Lew and voted to advance Lew’s nomination out of SFRC. Kaine has previously urged the Senate to fast-track Lew’s confirmation, as well as the nominees for U.S. Ambassadors to Egypt and 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 has also pushed for the delivery of fuel into Gaza for hospitals and water treatment centers. He 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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