Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel delivered a speech in Tel Aviv this week sharply criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and calling for a more conditional US relationship with Israel. The remarks, given at Tel Aviv University on July 8, marked a break from past US policy approaches.
Emanuel said US support for Israel had been too unconditional for too long. “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,” he stated.
He urged an end to free US military aid, proposing instead that Israel purchase arms under the same terms as other allies. Emanuel also called for sanctions on violent settlers, officials who support them, and companies or banks financing illegal settlements.
The speech equated pursuit of a “greater Israel” with the slogan “from the river to the sea,” labeling both as fanatical. Emanuel, who is exploring a Democratic presidential run, met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog but avoided other political figures during the trip.
