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The position of U.S. ambassador to Israel wasvacantas of Oct. 11, 2023.

Its one of39ambassador vacancies as of Oct. 2 for which nominees from President Joe Biden are awaiting Senate confirmation, according to the American Foreign Service Association.

The ConstitutionrequiresSenate confirmation. Tom Nidesleftthe Israel ambassadorship in July.

Biden on Sept. 28nominatedformer Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew to succeed Nides.

Nine days later, the Palestinian group Hamas,designatedby the U.S. as a terrorist organization,attackedIsrael. Israel, a U.S.ally, in turndeclaredwar.

The Senate Foreign Relations CommitteeannouncedOct. 9 it would hold a confirmationhearingfor Lew on Oct. 18.

In July, Secretary of State Antony BlinkensaidSenate diplomatic confirmation delays were undermining national security.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., hasheldbackthe diplomatic nominations while seeking information from the Biden administration on the origins of COVID-19.

This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such asthis one.

Sources

Archive.is:Tracker: Current U.S. Ambassadors

AP News:Biden nominates former Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew to serve as ambassador to Israel

U.S. Senate:U.S. Senate: About Nominations

AP News:Biden nominates former Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew to serve as ambassador to Israel

White House:Nominations Sent to the Senate

U.S. Department of State:Foreign Terrorist Organizations

New York Times:Heres a timeline of Saturdays attacks and Israels retaliation.

U.S. Department of State:Major Non-NATO Ally Status

AP News:Israel declares war, bombards Gaza and battles to dislodge Hamas fighters after surprise attack

Reuters:U.S. Senate moves quickly toward confirming Lew as ambassador to Israel

senate.gov:United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing

Reuters:Biden administration amps up pressure on US Senate over nomination delays

NBC News:Senate Foreign Relations chairman criticizes Sen. Rand Paul for holding up nominations

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