Potential Democratic presidential candidate Rahm Emanuel is set to deliver a significant speech in Tel Aviv this week, sharply criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
The former U.S. ambassador and Chicago mayor will declare the U.S.-Israel relationship is at a "crossroads," calling for "significant changes" to a strategy he calls "reckless" regarding Palestinian life.
Emanuel's proposals include sanctions on Israeli settlers and ending U.S. subsidies to Israel's defense budget, arguing it should receive the same financial terms as other allies.
"Unconditional support has produced a prime minister who has presumed that his strategic interests would incur no cost if he ignored America's concerns," Emanuel will say.
The speech underscores a major shift within the Democratic Party. A recent AP-NORC poll shows 58% of Democrats believe the U.S. is "too supportive" of Israel.
While criticizing Netanyahu, Emanuel acknowledged the trauma of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. He will propose a "23-state solution" involving the Arab League, calling the traditional two-state framework "discredited."
Emanuel is visiting a hospital serving both communities and meeting with the family of a hostage, while intentionally avoiding Israeli officials ahead of their October elections.