Rahm Emanuel to Criticize Netanyahu, Warn U.S.-Israel Ties Are at ‘Crossroads’ in Tel Aviv Speech

TEL AVIV: Former White House Chief of Staff and potential Democratic presidential contender Rahm Emanuel is set to deliver a strongly worded speech in Tel Aviv, warning that relations between the United States and Israel are at a “crossroads” and calling for a new direction under Israeli leadership.

According to excerpts of the speech obtained by The Associated Press, Emanuel will argue that the long-standing U.S.-Israel partnership cannot continue on its current course, urging significant political and policy changes to preserve the alliance.

Emanuel, a longtime supporter of Israel, is expected to sharply criticize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the conduct of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, describing it as “reckless and careless” in its treatment of Palestinian civilians. He will also condemn the use of food and medical supplies as instruments of military strategy, saying such actions have undermined Israel’s international standing.

While declining to characterize Israel’s actions as genocide, Emanuel said the issue should be examined within the broader context of conflicts around the world, including those in Ukraine and Sudan, rather than being politicized.

The former U.S. ambassador to Japan is also expected to advocate measures including sanctions against Israeli settlers involved in attacks on Palestinians, ending certain U.S. defense subsidies, and holding Israel to the same standards applied to other American allies. He will argue that Netanyahu’s policies have left Israel increasingly isolated internationally and have weakened bipartisan support for the country in the United States.

Emanuel’s address comes amid shifting political sentiment within the Democratic Party, where criticism of Israel’s handling of the Gaza conflict has grown significantly since the outbreak of war in October 2023. Analysts say his remarks reflect broader changes in U.S. political discourse as Washington continues to debate the future of its relationship with Israel.