Potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender Rahm Emanuel has sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, advocating for an end to unconditional U.S. support for Israel and warning that the alliance is at a "crossroads." Emanuel, speaking at Tel Aviv University, stated that America's long-standing silence has emboldened negative aspects of Israeli domestic politics and that unconditional support has allowed Netanyahu to disregard American concerns without consequence.
Emanuel, a former White House Chief of Staff and U.S. ambassador to Japan, argued that the alliance "cannot stand or survive as it’s been." He suggested that significant changes and a new direction are necessary to maintain the historic ties between the two democracies. His remarks come amid increasing divisions within the Democratic Party regarding Israel's military operations in Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
Recent polling indicates a decline in U.S. public support for Israel. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that roughly half of Democrats believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, and 58% feel the U.S. is too supportive of Israel, a 13-point increase since January. While most Republicans remain strong supporters, some unease is reportedly growing within the MAGA/America First movement.
Emanuel proposed a "23-state solution" to replace the two-state solution, urging the 21 Arab nations that have historically been involved in the Palestinian issue to take responsibility for establishing a governing authority. He suggested that peace with these nations would be a significant achievement for Israel and a setback for Iran. He also called for sanctions against Israelis who attack Palestinian civilians and property, as well as against companies and banks supporting West Bank settlements, which are considered illegal by much of the international community.
Furthermore, Emanuel advocated for ending U.S. subsidies to Israel's defense budget, stating that Israel should purchase American arms under the same financial terms and restrictions as other allies that comply with U.S. laws. He framed his speech as an attempt to find a realistic middle ground amid polarized views, asserting that neither extremist viewpoints advocating for a greater Israel nor those calling for the destruction of Israel will prevail.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has previously been critical of Emanuel, had not formally responded to the speech at the time of this report. Emanuel has been actively campaigning and considering a presidential bid, making stops in early primary states like New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina.