Rahm Emanuel expected to say Israel needs "significant changes" in speech

Rahm Emanuel, a prominent figure in the Democratic party, is set to deliver a sharp critique of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government during a speech in Tel Aviv this week. Emanuel, a potential presidential candidate and longtime defender of Israel, will declare that the country's relationship with the United States is "at a crossroads."

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It cannot stand or survive as it has been. To maintain the strength of our ties, we need significant changes and a new direction.

According to remarks obtained by The Associated Press, Emanuel will state that the current state of affairs "cannot stand or survive as it has been." He will argue that "to maintain the strength of our ties, we need significant changes and a new direction." This stance signals a significant shift within the Democratic party, reflecting growing concerns over Israel's actions in Gaza.

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reckless and careless in the treatment of Palestinian life, not only the military campaign but using food and medicine as an instrument of your military goals.

In an interview preceding his speech, Emanuel specifically condemned Israel's military response to the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack, describing it as "reckless and careless in the treatment of Palestinian life." He also criticized the use of "food and medicine as an instrument of your military goals." Emanuel addressed the accusation of genocide, stating that while he is open to the discussion, it should not be politicized.

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I'm ready to have that discussion, but I don't think it should be politicized, and then dilute the power of what genocide means.

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 acquire American arms under the same terms as other allies who comply with U.S. laws. Emanuel will also blame Netanyahu for leading Israel to a "dead end," suggesting that unconditional U.S. support has emboldened the prime minister to disregard American concerns.

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For too long, American policy toward Israel operated under the assumption that the best thing Washington could do for Jerusalem was to blindly and silently stand behind your government, without conditions, without demands, and without consequences when we disagreed. That has been our mistake. Unconditional support has produced a prime minister who has presumed that his strategic interests would incur no cost if he ignored America's concerns.