US Senate Approves Thomas Nides As Ambassador To Israel

The US Senate confirmed Thomas Nides as ambassador to Israel on Wednesday by voice vote.

Nides faced some opposition in an earlier vote, with Republican Senator Josh Hawley naming him among six other nominees of US President Joe Biden. 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Nides “cares very much about strengthening the US-Israel relationship, so this will be a good day for that relationship.”

“I’m glad the Republican hold on Mr. Nides has been lifted. I’ve known him for many years. He’s just the right fit.”

Israeli Ambassador to the US Gilad Erdan, his counterpart, congratulated Nides on Twitter. "I'm sure that you will further strengthen the special bond between Israel & the US."

Biden in June selected Nides for the post, and later faced some friction from Republicans.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee asked him questions on his stance toward Israel in September, following a controversy in the Democratic party as progressives removed funding for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense from a budget bill.

Nides asserted that he supported replenishing Israel's supply of life-saving missiles.

The committee approved him in October.