Biden pick for ambassador to Israel confirmed with all but two Republicans opposed

The U.S. Senate voted, 53-43, Tuesday to confirm Jacob. J. Lew as ambassador to Israel amid a recent escalation in the U.S. ally’s war with the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Senators of both parties agreed the need to confirm an ambassador to Israel gained urgency after Hamas’ surprise attack on Oct. 7 that killed at least 1,400 in Israel.

But almost all Republicans voted against President Joe Biden’s nominee Tuesday, with many citing Lew’s record dealing with Iran while he headed the Treasury Department during the Obama administration.

Two Republicans, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, joined all Democrats and independents to vote in favor. All 43 no votes came from Republicans, who raised objections over Lew’s role in the Iran nuclear deal. Four senators, Roger Marshall of Kansas, Tom Tillis of North Carolina, Mike Lee of Utah and Tim Scott of South Carolina, were absent for the vote.