Rahm Emanuel warns US‑Israel alliance at a crossroads in Tel Aviv speech

Rahm Emanuel, former Chicago mayor, former White House chief of staff and potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, delivered a speech at Tel Aviv University warning that Israel has become a “territorial pariah” and that the U.S.–Israel alliance is at a crossroads. He said settlement expansion, settler violence in the occupied West Bank and restrictions on aid to Gaza have eroded American support, especially among younger Democrats. Polls show 58 % of Democrats now think the United States is “too supportive” of Israel, with Democratic favorability for Israel falling from 59 % in 2018 to 22 % in May. Emanuel called for an end to the special $3.8 billion U.S. defense subsidy, urging Israel to purchase American weapons on the same terms as other allies, and proposed sanctions on Israelis who attack Palestinian civilians or support illegal settlements. He outlined a new “23‑state” peace framework that would involve all 22 Arab‑League nations and a future Palestinian state, replacing the stalled two‑state approach. The speech reflects a broader shift in Democratic Party attitudes toward Israel ahead of the November midterm elections and comes as Israeli elections loom in October.