Rahm Emanuel, former mayor of Chicago and a potential contender in the 2028 Democratic presidential race, has called for an end to the United States' unconditional support for Israel. Speaking in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, Emanuel described America's unwavering backing of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "mistake" that has led to "dead-end" policies and fueled extremism.
Emanuel argued that this blanket support has not served Israel well, stating, "We’ve done you no favors by averting our eyes from your misjudgments." He warned that strategic isolation is not a path to security, likening it to a "countdown clock." His comments come as global support for Israel has diminished amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
The former White House official, whose father was born in Jerusalem, also criticized the "Greater Israel" movement, which advocates for the annexation of parts of the West Bank and Gaza. He equated these calls with the anti-Israel slogan "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," labeling both as "fantasies chanted by fanatics." Emanuel asserted that the Israeli government is "complicit in the horrors now being inflicted on innocent families in the West Bank," which he believes undermines Israel's international legitimacy.
Emanuel suggested that Israel, being a wealthy nation, should purchase weapons from the U.S. like any other ally, rather than relying on aid packages. He also indicated a desire to revive policies, similar to those under the Biden administration, that utilized sanctions to address illegal settlements and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
As part of his proposed shift in U.S.-Israel relations, Emanuel advocated for a "23-state solution" backed by America. This framework would aim for Israel to gain recognition and diplomatic ties with all 22 Arab League members, while simultaneously working towards the establishment of a Palestinian state. Emanuel suggested that such an arrangement would offer greater political benefits for all parties than a two-state solution.
He also touched on broader Middle East instability, criticizing former President Trump's withdrawal from the Obama-era nuclear deal with Iran, which Emanuel believes contributed to the current volatile situation.