Rahm Emanuel Calls for Ending Unconditional U.S. Support for Israel

Rahm Emanuel called for an end to unconditional U.S. support for Israel during a speech at the University of Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The former Chicago mayor said the alliance between the two countries is at a crossroads and cannot continue in its current form.

He argued that years of U.S. silence have contributed to problematic domestic politics in Israel. "The hard truth is that America’s silence for years has engendered the worst of your domestic politics.

We’ve done you no favors by averting our eyes," Emanuel stated. He pointed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying unconditional U.S. support has allowed the prime minister to ignore American concerns without consequence.

Emanuel proposed replacing the two-state solution framework with a 23-state solution involving the 21 Arab nations. He also called for sanctions on Israelis who attack Palestinian civilians and an end to U.S. subsidies for Israel's defense budget.

The speech comes amid declining global support for Israel following its military operations in Gaza that began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Health officials in the Palestinian territory report more than 73,000 people killed in the ongoing conflict.

Emanuel emphasized that both those calling for "from the river to the sea" and those advocating for a greater Israel are pursuing fantasies that lead to endless conflict.

Netanyahu had not responded to the speech at the time of reporting. Emanuel, who is exploring a 2028 presidential run, made the remarks during a trip to Israel this week.