Rahm Emanuel tells Israel to no longer expect unconditional US aid

Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who is reportedly considering a 2028 presidential bid, has declared that Israel should no longer anticipate unconditional support from the United States. Speaking at Tel Aviv University, Emanuel also leveled pointed criticism at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“

Unconditional support has produced a prime minister who has presumed that his strategic interest would incur no political costs if he ignored America’s concerns about settlements and sparked a regional war.

"Unconditional support has produced a prime minister who has presumed that his strategic interest would incur no political costs if he ignored America’s concerns about settlements and sparked a regional war," Emanuel stated. He asserted that the U.S.-Israeli bond requires reassessment, advocating for "a new and different approach to this alliance."

Emanuel, a figure with a long history in shaping U.S.-Israeli relations, including roles in the Clinton and Obama administrations, noted a shift in public opinion. He pointed to declining Democratic voter support for Israel, particularly following the war in Gaza, and waning support in Europe as factors influencing this stance.

“

We need, fundamentally, a new and different approach to this alliance.

"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," Emanuel said. He identified the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the obstruction of aid to Gaza as specific concerns that have contributed to Israel's image as a "pariah" globally.

“

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.

"The United States cannot continue to finance and support that cynicism in silence," he warned. Emanuel stressed the need for Israel to find a "new sustainable path to peace, security and prosperity," adding that "America stands ready." He also voiced support for sanctions against Israelis who attack Palestinian civilians.

“

That has been our mistake.