Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028, called for the United States to reconsider its unconditional support of Israel during a visit to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. In a speech delivered at Tel Aviv University, Emanuel criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies, which he said have led Israel into diplomatic isolation and undermined its long-term security.
Emanuel argued that America’s unqualified backing has enabled Netanyahu to pursue approaches focused primarily on military strength, to the exclusion of diplomatic efforts. He described this as a "mistake" that has left Israel more isolated on the global stage. “We’ve done you no favors by averting our eyes from your misjudgments,” Emanuel said, emphasizing that strategic isolation does not ensure security but rather accelerates potential dangers.
During his five-day trip, Emanuel met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, emphasizing the importance of maintaining bipartisan support for the U.S.-Israel relationship—a position he said Netanyahu has neglected by aligning closely with American Republicans. Herzog, whose role is mostly ceremonial, underlined in a social media statement the need for Israeli leaders to foster good relations with both major U.S. parties.
Emanuel did not meet with Netanyahu and dismissed providing the prime minister an opportunity to respond politically. Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on Emanuel’s remarks. Some of Netanyahu’s supporters downplayed Emanuel’s statements, suggesting he is not a significant political figure and criticizing him as out of touch with mainstream Jewish views on Israel.
Emanuel also addressed criticism of his evolving stance on Israel, noting his previous opposition to West Bank settlement expansion during his time as President Barack Obama’s chief of staff. He contended that his current criticism is consistent and rooted in concern for Israel’s future, not political expediency.
Proposing a vision for peace, Emanuel called for official recognition and economic cooperation between Israel and Middle Eastern Arab states, with Arab nations assuming responsibility for cultivating credible Palestinian leadership. He warned against continued occupation of Gaza, describing such a policy as unsustainable and detrimental to Israel’s long-term interests.
Referring to Netanyahu’s recent comments praising a militaristic, self-reliant Israel, Emanuel argued that reliance on military power alone has proven counterproductive. He also criticized Netanyahu’s support for former President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, saying this action emboldened a military-only approach that has ultimately weakened Israel’s security.
The former mayor suggested that Netanyahu’s government faces a pivotal moment ahead of Israel’s parliamentary elections, expected in October, and implied he would not be concerned if Netanyahu were voted out. Emanuel described the election as consequential for Israel's future direction.
The unfolding debate highlights shifting attitudes toward Israel within segments of the U.S. Democratic Party and the broader international community, reflecting growing scrutiny of Israeli policies amid ongoing regional tensions and humanitarian concerns.