WASHINGTON - In a 12-9 vote on Wednesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced the nomination of Jack Lew to be the next U.S. ambassador to Israel. The nomination, supported by all Democratic committee members and one Republican, marks a crucial step towards filling the vacancy created when Tom Nides left the position in July.

Lew, who previously served as treasury secretary and White House chief of staff under President Barack Obama, testified before lawmakers at his confirmation hearing last week. He emphasized the importance of Israel's security and referred to Iran as a threat to regional stability and Israel's existence.

Despite some Senate Republicans expressing frustration with Lew's responses to follow-up questions, the committee voted to move his nomination forward. Lew now requires a simple majority on the Senate floor to secure his confirmation. A final vote is expected to take place next week at the earliest.

However, achieving unanimous bipartisan support may prove challenging for Lew, as Senate Republicans have criticized his involvement in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal during his tenure as treasury secretary. They allege that he granted Iran access to U.S. financial markets secretly. Lew strongly denies these accusations, citing that his actions actually prevented Iran from obtaining full access to the world financial system.

If Lew receives the backing of all 51 members of the Democratic Caucus, he will not need Republican support for confirmation. Nonetheless, unanimous bipartisan support would hasten the process.

The confirmation of a new U.S. ambassador to Israel has gained urgency following the recent October 7 terror attack. Efforts to expedite the confirmation process were initiated by the White House, as previous delays due to congressional recesses and other issues had hindered progress.

Jack Lew, a Jewish individual with extensive Washington experience, has been actively involved in pro-Israel advocacy circles. His nomination represents a significant opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and Israel.

Once confirmed, Lew will assume the role of U.S. ambassador to Israel, revitalizing the position that has been vacant since July. In the interim, career diplomat Stephanie Hallett has been serving as the top U.S. official at the U.S. Embassy.

The Senate's confirmation vote on Lew's nomination is awaited eagerly, as it holds significant implications for the future of U.S.-Israel relations.