Key facts
- Rahm Emanuel will deliver a speech in Tel Aviv criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Emanuel will state that the U.S.-Israel relationship is "at a crossroads" and requires significant changes.
- He proposes sanctions on Israelis attacking Palestinian civilians and companies supporting settlements.
- Emanuel wants to end U.S. subsidies to Israel's defense budget.
- He blames Netanyahu for driving Israel to a "dead end" and ignoring U.S. concerns.
- Emanuel suggests a "23-state solution" involving Israel, Palestinians, and Arab League members.
Rahm Emanuel, a prominent Democrat and potential presidential candidate, is set to deliver a critical speech in Tel Aviv targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Emanuel plans to articulate a message that the relationship between the United States and Israel is at a "crossroads" and requires significant changes and a new direction.
According to remarks obtained by The Associated Press, Emanuel will state that unconditional U.S. support for Israel has been a mistake, leading to a prime minister who presumes his strategic interests will incur no cost even when ignoring American concerns. He will argue that the current approach "cannot stand or survive as it has been."
Emanuel's proposed changes include imposing sanctions on Israelis who attack Palestinian civilians and property, as well as on companies and banks supporting settlements deemed illegal by the international community. He also advocates for ending U.S. subsidies to Israel's defense budget, asserting that Israel should purchase American arms under the same terms as other trusted allies.
The speech reflects a notable shift in the Democratic Party's stance on Israel, with a recent AP-NORC poll indicating that 58% of Democrats believe the U.S. is too supportive of Israel, an increase from 45% in January 2024. Approximately half of Democrats also believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians during the Gaza war.
Emanuel will blame Netanyahu for Israel's perceived isolation, stating that the country has "lost Europe" and faces exclusion from international research networks and cultural events. He will also criticize Netanyahu for not advancing diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Despite the strong criticism, Emanuel, who is Jewish, will acknowledge the impact of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and past disappointments in peace talks. However, he will propose a "23-state solution" instead of the "discredited" two-state solution, urging the 21 Arab League nations to establish a governing authority capable of accepting the Jewish connection to the land.
The speech is seen as a bold strategy for potential Democratic presidential contenders assessing how to navigate the fallout from the Gaza war and Netanyahu's perceived alignment with the Republican Party, particularly President Donald Trump. The issue has already caused divisions in Democratic primaries and could be a significant factor in the 2028 presidential nomination contest.