PHOTOS: Kaine Meets with and Calls for Swift Senate Confirmation of U.S. Ambassador to Israel Nominee Jack Lew
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), met with Jack Lew, President Biden’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Kaine expressed his support for Lew and reiterated the need for the Senate to confirm Lew as soon as possible. Lew’s presence in Jerusalem would send a strong signal of support to Israel as it responds to the horrific attacks conducted against Israeli civilians by Hamas terrorists. Lew will appear before the SFRC for his nomination hearing this Wednesday.
“Israel is our closest friend and partner in the Middle East, and in this time of crisis, it is crucial that the Senate confirm Jack Lew as soon as possible to be the U.S. ambassador in Jerusalem. Our ambassadors are essential to the protection of our national security and the security of our allies. During my productive meeting with Lew today, we discussed Hamas’ horrifying attacks on Israeli civilians, the crisis in the Gaza Strip, and ways the U.S. can further help Israel defend itself. I also raised the need for the U.S. to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and ensure protections for civilians in Gaza. I urge my Senate colleagues to expedite Lew’s confirmation, as well as the confirmations of U.S. ambassador nominees for Egypt and Lebanon, and the State Department’s Counterterrorism Coordinator position. It is inexcusable for the Senate to leave these important positions vacant. We must have our team in the field.”
Kaine has urged the governments of Egypt and Qatar to provide assistance in securing the release of Israelis, Americans, and others being held hostage in Gaza by Hamas.
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