Former US Treasury Secretary, Jack Lou, is being considered as the leading candidate for the position of the next United States ambassador to Israel. This revelation was reported by journalist Barak Ravid in Walla! today. It has been revealed that the White House is currently conducting extensive background checks on Lou in preparation for the official submission of his candidacy for Senate approval, which is expected to happen in the coming weeks.
The urgency in the Biden administration’s search for a new ambassador to Israel can be attributed to the fact that the outgoing ambassador, Tom Neides, recently completed his term. Lou’s replacement will have to navigate through the political and social crisis in Israel, as well as the ongoing dispute between Jerusalem and Washington. Additionally, the Biden administration is keen on promoting a package deal with Saudi Arabia that includes a normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which further adds to the sense of urgency in filling the ambassador position.
Jack Lou, who has served three times as a cabinet member under Presidents Clinton and Obama and was the White House chief of staff during the Obama era, is seen as a strong signal from President Biden regarding the importance he places on relations with Israel. Lou has expressed his interest in the position of ambassador to Israel to his former colleagues from the Obama administration, and he is the only candidate who is currently undergoing comprehensive background checks by the White House.
President Biden has yet to make a final decision on the appointment, but Lou’s experience in the American government and his close working relationship with Biden during the Obama administration make him a strong contender for the position. Throughout his tenure in various government roles, Lou has been a key contact for the Jewish community in the United States. He has also worked closely with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Drummer when he previously served as Israel’s ambassador in Washington.
Lou’s extensive experience in dealing with the strained relationship between Obama and Netanyahu on issues like Jewish construction in Judea and Samaria and the nuclear deal with Iran will undoubtedly be an asset in his potential role as the US ambassador to Israel. As the White House continues the vetting process, the appointment of Lou would signify a significant step in strengthening US-Israel relations under the Biden administration.