TEL AVIV — Rahm Emanuel, a potential Democratic presidential candidate and longtime advocate for Israel, cautioned Wednesday that Israel risks further international isolation due to its current leadership, which he described as having rendered the country a “territorial pariah.” Speaking at Tel Aviv University, Emanuel criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach, warning that Israel must pursue a new path toward peace, security, and economic growth to rebuild its standing.

Emanuel’s comments reflect a notable shift among centrist Democrats, who have grown increasingly critical of Israel since the conflict in Gaza began three years ago. While Netanyahu maintains strong ties with former President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, support for Israel among Democrats has declined significantly. A recent survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 58% of Democrats believe the United States is “too supportive” of Israel, up from 45% earlier this year. The survey also indicated that about half of Democrats believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians during the Gaza war—a charge Israel denies.

Addressing a largely liberal audience at Tel Aviv University, Emanuel urged Israel to adopt what he called “tough love” in order to escape its pariah status. He emphasized the importance of strengthening diplomatic relationships with Arab states and expanding economic ties through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, viewing these moves as alternatives to China’s infrastructure initiatives in the region. Emanuel also called for ending U.S. defense subsidies to Israel, arguing that the country should fund its own defense like other American allies. He further advocated for sanctions against Israelis involved in attacks on Palestinian civilians and politicians who support such violence.

Emanuel proposed a shift away from the two-state solution toward what he termed a “23-state solution,” involving 21 Arab nations alongside Israel and the Palestinians. This framework would seek to balance Israeli security needs, Palestinian aspirations for sovereignty, and the Arab world’s desire for regional stability.

Emanuel arrived in Israel earlier this week and participated in several visits before his speech, including a collaborative medical training project between hospitals in Tel Aviv and the West Bank city of Nablus, as well as meetings with researchers who documented sexual violence during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel. He also toured Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust museum, and met with President Isaac Herzog. Despite his visit, Israeli media largely focused on the NATO summit in Turkey and tensions with Iran.

Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on Emanuel’s remarks. The two have a history of personal and political clashes; in 2009, Netanyahu labeled Emanuel a “self-hating Jew” over criticism of Israeli settlement policies. Emanuel recalled that these tensions even resulted in the detention of activists protesting at his son’s bar mitzvah in Jerusalem, including current Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Emanuel acknowledged the profound impact of the Oct. 7 attack, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in about 250 hostages being taken by Hamas militants. The subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza has claimed over 73,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which is affiliated with Hamas and reports figures recognized by United Nations agencies. During his trip, Emanuel said he was struck by the widespread sense among Israelis of feeling abandoned and vulnerable in the conflict’s aftermath.

Though Emanuel has not officially announced a 2028 presidential bid, he has taken steps toward a campaign, including visits to key early voting states. He emphasized that the Democratic Party does not have to abandon Israel to win the White House but stressed the need for a new, more critical approach toward U.S.-Israel relations.

“The status quo is unacceptable, where you can’t say anything negative, which is an implicit endorsement,” Emanuel said, urging a candid reassessment of the longstanding alliance.