Staff Reports
In a move that surprised absolutely no one, President Joe Biden has selected former Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew as his pick for U.S. ambassador to Israel. Lew, who served as Treasury secretary under President Barack Obama, is quite familiar with the ropes of Washington. He would be stepping into the shoes of outgoing Ambassador Tom Nides, who bid farewell to the position over the summer.
President Biden unveiled the nomination of former Secretary of the Treasury Jacob Lew to serve as his next US ambassador to Israel, the @WhiteHouse announced.
If confirmed, Lew will take on the post amid a politically complicated US–Israel relationship. https://t.co/jPFYTXN4Gw
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) September 5, 2023
If confirmed by the Senate, Lew would assume the role during a tumultuous period for U.S.-Israel relations. The Biden administration finds itself at odds with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, as they push for a judicial overhaul that the administration strongly opposes. Furthermore, the United States is seeking to broker diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which could potentially reshape the Middle East in significant ways. However, Saudi Arabia has made it clear that they won’t recognize Israel before the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is resolved, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Lew’s nomination has received mixed reactions, particularly from Republicans who question his suitability for the role. They argue that at a time when strong collaboration between the U.S. and Israel is crucial, an ambassador who can reaffirm unwavering support for Israel is needed. Several members of Congress expressed concerns, pointing to Lew’s support for the Iran nuclear deal during his time as Treasury secretary. His defense of the deal at a Jerusalem Post conference in 2015 didn’t sit well with pro-Israel supporters, who booed and heckled him.
On the other hand, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen welcomed Lew’s appointment and expressed eagerness to work with him. Lew is currently a managing partner at a private equity firm and a visiting professor at Columbia University. He brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served in various roles in the public and private sectors. Democratic Majority for Israel President and CEO Mark Mellman believes Lew’s understanding of international relations and knowledge of the pressing issues facing Israel and the U.S.-Israel alliance will serve him well in this new role.
It remains to be seen how Lew will navigate the complexities of the U.S.-Israel relationship and whether he can bridge the divide between the Biden administration and the Israeli government. Until then, we can only hope that his experience and expertise will help steer this crucial alliance in the right direction.
