WASHINGTON — The Senate has confirmed Jack Lew as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel amidst a brewing fight in Congress over funding to support Israel’s war against Hamas. The vote passed with a tally of 53-43, with only two Republicans — Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina — offering their support. Notably, no members of the Democratic Caucus voted against Lew. Graham, in his defense of the vote, emphasized both the Israeli government’s acknowledgement and comfort with Lew as ambassador.

Lew, 68, had been expected to garner significant support from Senate Democrats, although the extent of Republican support remained uncertain. In order to be confirmed, Lew needed only a simple majority. The confirmation of Lew fills the vacancy of a Senate-confirmed ambassador to Israel that had persisted since July. Stephanie Hallett, a career diplomat, had been acting as the top official at the U.S. Embassy in the interim.

The upcoming agenda of Congress is expected to include legislation that would provide billions of dollars to Israel. While the Trump administration has requested a broader package that encompasses aid to both Israel and Ukraine, House Republicans oppose combining funding to both countries in one piece of legislation. Nonetheless, the House GOP plan may face resistance in the Senate, as Democrats, along with some Republicans, support the administration’s comprehensive proposal. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky believes that aid to Ukraine and Israel, alongside funds for border security, should all be encompassed in a single bill.

Lew’s confirmation as ambassador to Israel follows his distinguished career in Washington and involvement in pro-Israel advocacy circles. He previously served as White House chief of staff during the final two years of President Barack Obama’s first term and later held the position of treasury secretary from 2013 to 2017. Lew’s experience includes his contributions to the development of a memorandum of understanding on multiyear U.S. funding for Israel during the Clinton administration, as well as his efforts to provide crucial funding for Israel’s missile defense systems under the Obama administration.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee previously advanced Lew’s nomination, with Republican Sen. Rand Paul being the sole Republican member to vote in favor of Lew alongside all Democratic members on the panel. During his confirmation hearing, Lew emphasized the importance of Israel’s security and characterized Iran as a threat to both regional stability and Israel’s existence. Despite criticisms from Republicans regarding his involvement in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Lew denied allegations that he had given Iran secret access to U.S. financial markets during that period.

In summary, Jack Lew’s confirmation as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel comes amid ongoing debates in Congress over funding for Israel’s conflict with Hamas. Lew’s extensive experience and pro-Israel advocacy background provide a solid foundation for his new role. The confirmation process highlighted the partisan divide concerning the broader package that includes aid to Ukraine, revealing differing viewpoints among Democrats, Republicans, and the Trump administration.