(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), senior member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, posed questions to Jack Lew, President Biden’s nominee to be Ambassador to Israel, during his nomination hearing. Today’s SFRC hearing comes at a tumultuous time as Israel responds to the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks that murdered more than 1,300 innocent Israelis, including 30 Americans, and took hostage nearly 200 people, which also reportedly includes as many as 13 American citizens. Video of her remarks at the hearing can be found here.

“Israel is facing a direct threat from a terrorist organization intent on killing Israelis and with no regard for Palestinian lives. The United States and Israel urgently need an American Ambassador in place to support Israel’s right to defend itself from all terrorist attacks. Jack Lew is well-qualified to serve in this role and I hope that my colleagues will work productively and quickly to confirm his nomination,” said Shaheen.

Shaheen is a strong supporter of Israel and has utilized her leadership on SFRC, the U.S. Senate Armed Services and Appropriations Committees to bolster Israel and its people. In response to the horrific terror attack on October 7, Shaheen swiftly condemned Hamas and called for enduring support for Israel. She also joined letters calling for the release of the American hostages in Gaza, support for a strong humanitarian response in Gaza and a safe pathway to safety for Americans stuck in Gaza.