(JTA) – The Senate confirmed Colin Kahl to be undersecretary of defense for policy, a Biden nomination that survived a fierce challenge from right-wing pro-Israel groups, which targeted Kahl for his role in shaping the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Kahl was confirmed 49-45 last week along party lines. Republicans targeted Kahl principally for his role when he was national security adviser to then-Vice President Joe Biden in shaping the Iran deal. Biden, now president, wanted Kahl back in government as the administration seeks to reenter the agreement. Christians United for Israel launched a six-figure ad buy in West Virginia targeting Joe Manchin, a moderate Democrat who sometimes votes with Republicans.

It didn’t work, as Manchin said he was on board with Kahl. Three Israeli generals who worked with Kahl when he was with the Obama administration effectively endorsed him, as did a cadre of Democrats who are close to the pro-Israel community.

Main Photo: Colin Kahl, delivers a speech during a panel discussion as part of the US-Islamic World Forum in the Qatari capital Doha on June 1, 2015. (AFP via Getty Images)