Democratic Rahm Emanuel tells Israel to change its ways or risk losing the US’s support
Rahm Emanuel, a Democrat considering a 2028 U.S. presidential run, stated on Wednesday that Israel may endanger its alliance with Washington if it does not alter its approach towards the Palestinians, citing increasing discomfort with its policies among U.S. voters.
A former Chicago mayor and chief of staff to former President Barack Obama, Emanuel delivered a speech at Tel Aviv University where he criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and suggested a new U.S. policy for the Middle East.
Undoubtedly, the alliance finds itself at a pivotal moment. It cannot continue or endure as it has been. To uphold the strength of our connections, this alliance requires substantial changes and a fresh direction,” he stated.
Emanuel stated that policies such as settlement expansion and settler violence in the occupied West Bank, along with restrictions on aid to Gaza, were factors leading to a decrease in Israel’s support among Americans, especially among younger voters.
His speech delivered a notably direct caution from a leading Democrat that the enduring political backing of the U.S. can no longer be assumed.
Support for Israel has emerged as a highly contentious issue in the lead-up to the November U.S. midterm elections, where progressive Democratic candidates have secured victories in primary contests while opposing U.S. funding for Israel.
According to Reuters/Ipsos polling, Israel’s favorability rating among Democrats decreased from 59% in 2018 to 22% in May. Support continues to be robust among Republicans, although certain factions within Trump’s coalition have also advocated for reducing aid.
Emanuel stated that Washington’s unwavering support has allowed Netanyahu, who has been in power nearly continuously since 2009, to disregard American concerns and implement policies that have resulted in violence, destabilization, and Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation.
A spokesperson for Netanyahu has not yet provided a response to a request for comment.
EMANUEL URGES AN END TO DEFENSE SUBSIDIES FOR ISRAEL
While Israel has historically received robust bipartisan support from the U.S., a growing faction of Democrats in Congress is now advocating for a cessation of military aid, totaling $3.8 billion annually.
Emanuel stated that Israel ought to acquire American weapons under standard allied terms instead of special subsidies. “The prime minister and his government have led Israel into a dead end,” remarked Emanuel, who is Jewish, volunteered to support the Israeli military during the 1991 Gulf War, and whose father was born in Jerusalem.
Netanyahu, according to Emanuel, has avoided diplomatic efforts and instead depended on military measures.
Israel has not succeeded in transforming its military achievements into strategic benefits. The same dynamic extends beyond Iran. You lacked a plan for Gaza following the Hamas situation. You lacked a strategy to engage the Lebanese government as a partner against Hezbollah,” Emanuel stated.
Netanyahu has expressed his intention to broaden diplomatic relations with regional countries, and in June, Israel initiated U.S.-supported peace discussions with Lebanon.
Emanuel suggested measures aimed at rebuilding trust to restart a peace process that fell apart in 2014, where Arab states would assume a pivotal role, ultimately paving the way for formal relations between Israel and the Arab League.
Emanuel directed some of his criticism toward Israel’s neighbors, characterizing the Palestinian leadership as ineffective and corrupt, while noting that Arab countries have offered little more than mere lip service to the Palestinian pursuit of statehood.
