Rahm Emanuel, a Democrat weighing a 2028 US presidential run, warned Israel that it risks jeopardizing its alliance with the US unless it changes course on the Palestinians due to growing unease with its policies among US voters.

Emanuel’s Warning

Emanuel, a former Chicago mayor and chief of staff to former President Barack Obama, used a speech at Tel Aviv University to criticize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and propose a new US policy toward the Middle East.

Without question, the alliance is at a crossroads. It cannot stand or survive as it has been. To maintain the strength of our ties, this alliance needs significant changes and a new direction, Emanuel said.

Emanuel said policies ranging from settlement expansion and settler violence in the occupied West Bank to restrictions on aid to Gaza were contributing to Israel’s declining support among Americans, particularly younger voters.

US-Israel Relations

Support for Israel has become one of the most divisive issues ahead of November US midterm elections, with progressive Democratic candidates winning primary contests while opposing US funding for Israel.

Israel’s favorability rating among Democrats fell from 59% in 2018 to 22% in May, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling. Support remains strong among Republicans, though some elements of Trump’s coalition have also called for cutting off aid.

Emanuel said Washington’s unconditional backing had enabled Netanyahu, in power almost consecutively since 2009, to ignore American concerns and pursue policies that have led to violence, destabilization, and Israel’s increasing diplomatic isolation.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.