Tel aviv: Rahm Emanuel, a possible contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential race, has voiced his opinion that the United States should reconsider its long-standing policy of unconditional support for Israel. Emanuel, who has previously served as a US ambassador and as the mayor of Chicago, delivered a speech at Tel Aviv University on Wednesday, highlighting the potential pitfalls of supporting the Israeli government without imposing any conditions or demands.

According to Anadolu Agency, Emanuel criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government for its policies, which he believes have increasingly isolated Israel on the global stage. Emanuel described Israel as a 'territorial pariah,' citing a decline in worldwide support for the nation. "Support for Israel is plummeting around the world," Emanuel stated. He emphasized the need for Israel to seek a "new sustainable path to peace, security, and economic prosperity," while affirming that "America stands ready" to support such efforts.

Emanuel noted a significant drop in favorable views of Israel among Americans, from 55% in 2022 to 37% today, urging a shift in approach to reverse this trend. He also took aim at Israel's recent foreign policy achievements, sarcastically noting that its only new diplomatic gain was recognition from Somaliland, a region lacking widespread international recognition. "As my grandmother used to say, 'You lost Europe, you lost America, and you picked up Somaliland; such a deal,'" Emanuel quipped, underscoring his point.

During his visit to Israel, Emanuel met with President Isaac Herzog. However, he did not meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu, who reportedly labeled him a 'self-hating Jew' back in 2009 after Emanuel criticized Israel's expansion of illegal settlements. This historical tension adds another layer to Emanuel's current calls for a change in US-Israel relations.