Rahm Emanuel Urges End to Unconditional U.S. Support for Israel

Rahm Emanuel called for an end to unconditional U.S. support for Israel during a speech delivered in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The former Chicago mayor, who is exploring a 2028 presidential run, said years of U.S. silence have contributed to problematic domestic politics in Israel. He argued that this approach has allowed Israeli leaders to pursue policies without consequence.

Emanuel stated that the U.S. has done Israel “no favors by averting our eyes from your misjudgments.” He described strategic isolation as “a countdown clock” rather than a foundation for security. He also warned that both the “Greater Israel” position and the slogan “from the river to the sea” represent fantasies that lead to endless conflict.

Emanuel advocated replacing the two-state solution framework with a 23-state solution involving the 21 Arab nations. He called for sanctions on Israelis who attack Palestinian civilians and an end to U.S. subsidies for Israel’s defense budget. Health officials in the Palestinian territory report more than 73,000 people killed in the ongoing conflict.

Emanuel also criticized the decision to withdraw from the Obama-era nuclear deal with Iran, linking it to current regional instability. Netanyahu had not responded to the speech at the time of reporting.