"Senate Confirms Jack Lew as U.S. Ambassador to Israel Amidst Middle East Conflict"

The Senate has confirmed Jack Lew as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel, with a vote of 53-43. Only two Republicans, Senators Rand Paul and Lindsey Graham, supported the confirmation. Lew's appointment comes as Congress prepares to debate funding to support Israel in its conflict with Hamas. The U.S. has been without a Senate-confirmed ambassador to Israel since July. Congress is expected to consider legislation providing aid to Israel, but Republicans in the House oppose combining funding for Israel and Ukraine. Democrats and some Republicans support the administration's comprehensive proposal. Lew, who is Jewish, has a long history of involvement in pro-Israel advocacy and has previously served as White House chief of staff and treasury secretary.