SouthernWorldwide.com – Amid declining American support for Israel, Rahm Emanuel, a potential contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, has sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Emanuel, who is Jewish and has historically been a strong advocate for Israel, has now expressed concerns that the alliance between the U.S. and Israel is at a critical juncture and cannot continue in its current form.
The former White House Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama and a former U.S. ambassador to Japan under President Biden delivered a candid message to Israel. This message comes as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza against Hamas.
Emanuel’s stance is that unconditional U.S. support for Israel must end. He stressed that Israel needs to implement significant changes if it wishes to maintain its status as America’s primary ally.
During a significant policy speech at Tel Aviv University, Emanuel stated, “The hard truth is that America’s silence for years has engendered the worst of your domestic politics. We’ve done you no favors by averting our eyes.” He emphasized that this was the core message of his trip to Israel.
He further argued that America’s “unconditional support has produced a prime minister who has presumed that his strategic interests would incur no cost if he ignored America’s concerns.” Emanuel asserted that the alliance is “at a crossroads” and that significant changes are needed to preserve it.
The context for these remarks is the ongoing conflict that began with Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel. The subsequent Israeli response has led to over 73,000 reported fatalities in the Palestinian territory, according to health officials.
Israel’s military actions have drawn widespread international condemnation, even from long-time supporters of the Jewish state. Emanuel highlighted this global sentiment, stating, “Support for Israel is plummeting around the world. You’ve lost Europe, your biggest economic partner.” He concluded that “Israel has never been more strategically isolated.”
Within the Democratic Party, there is a growing division regarding the war in Gaza. A significant number of progressive politicians have accused Israel of committing “genocide” and are calling for an end to U.S. military aid to the nation.
A recent poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that nearly half of Democrats believe Israel has committed genocide in its conflict with Hamas. Additionally, 58% of Democrats surveyed feel the U.S. is “too supportive” of Israel, a notable increase from January.
While most Republicans continue to strongly support Israel, there is some growing unease within the MAGA/America First movement. The poll indicated a slight decline in Republican support for Israel, though a very small percentage of Republicans surveyed believe Israel has committed genocide.
Emanuel called for a “new and fundamentally new approach to this alliance…To maintain the strength of our ties, we need significant changes and a new direction.”
He proposed a novel framework for peace, suggesting a “23-state solution” to replace the “now-discredited path to a ‘two-state solution.’” He urged the 21 Arab nations to take responsibility for establishing a governing authority capable of recognizing the historical connection between the Jewish people and the land.
Emanuel posited that if Israel were to make peace with these 21 Arab nations, it would be a “greatest day” for Israel and “Iran’s worst nightmare.”
His proposed changes also included sanctioning Israelis who attack Palestinian civilians and property, as well as companies and banks that support Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal by most of the international community.
Furthermore, Emanuel advocated for ending U.S. subsidies to Israel’s defense budget. He argued that Israel should acquire American arms under the same financial terms and restrictions as any other trusted ally that adheres to U.S. laws.
For Emanuel, known for his moderate stance and past clashes with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, this speech appeared to be an effort to articulate a pragmatic middle ground.
He addressed those chanting slogans like “from the river to the sea,” stating they “will never have your way.” Simultaneously, he cautioned those calling for a “greater Israel,” asserting that they “will never have your way, either.” He described both as “fantasies chanted by fanatics that lead to perpetual endless conflict.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had previously criticized Emanuel as a “self-hating Jew,” had not yet responded to the speech at the time of this report.
Emanuel has been actively campaigning across the country as he considers a presidential bid. He has made multiple visits to New Hampshire, a state historically known for hosting the first primary in the presidential election cycle.
He has also visited Nevada and South Carolina, two other key early primary states, indicating his potential presidential ambitions.
