Biden’s pick to be ambassador to Israel tells senators he’ll ensure the US ally ‘has what it needs’

By MARY CLARE JALONICK
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s nominee to be ambassador to Israel has told senators he will “ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself” and will work with the U.S. ally to end the attacks by Hamas if he’s confirmed. Jacob Lew said at a Senate committee hearing Wednesday that he would coordinate with the international community and address the humanitarian crisis facing civilians in Gaza during Israeli military strikes. Lew was a treasury secretary under President Barack Obama and also worked in the Clinton White House. Several Republicans said they had concerns about Lew because of his role in the Obama White House when it negotiated the Iran nuclear agreement in 2015, among other foreign policy moves.