Rahm Emanuel Challenges Anti-Israel Democrats on Middle East Policy
Former Ambassador says party's stance lacks comprehensive plans beyond cutting weapons funding, as he considers a 2028 presidential run.
Former U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel has criticized the anti-Israel faction within the Democratic Party, asserting that their Middle East policy is insufficient and lacks depth beyond advocating for cuts to weapons funding for Israel.
"I'm interested in being as vigorous and strong about what a security peace agreement would bring to both the United States and to Israel and to the alliance and how you can build on that," Emanuel stated in an interview at the Texas Tribune Festival. "Now, people will criticize it. Fine. You got to tell me your plan. And your plan can't just be we're going to cut off funding for weapons. What's your peace idea? What's your security idea? What's the economic package? I've laid out mine."
Emanuel, who is openly considering a presidential run in 2028, previously delivered a speech at Tel Aviv University in July, where he described the U.S.-Israel alliance as being "at a crossroads." He cited Israel's declining popularity among Americans and stated that the country had become "strategically isolated."
A February Gallup study indicated a significant shift in sympathies among Democrats regarding the Middle East conflict. Sixty-five percent of Democrats expressed sympathy for Palestinians, while only 17% sided with Israel, a decrease from 58% in 2014. In contrast, 70% of Republicans remained sympathetic to Israel, though this figure is down from a peak of 87% in 2018.
Emanuel emphasized his commitment to the U.S.-Israel alliance but acknowledged the unsustainability of the current trajectory if it lacks broader American support. "You can't sustain something that doesn't have the support of the American people," he said. He also stressed that he is "not interested in fighting a third war" in the Middle East.
Emanuel's extensive public service career includes three terms in Congress representing Illinois, chairing the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee when Democrats regained control of the House in 2006, and serving as President Barack Obama's first White House chief of staff. Following his tenure as Mayor of Chicago from 2011 to 2019, he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Japan.