Rahm Emanuel Challenges Democrats on Israel Policy

Clear Facts

• Former U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel criticized the anti-Israel wing of the Democratic Party for lacking a Middle East strategy beyond cutting weapons funding to Israel.
• Emanuel, who is considering a 2028 presidential run, emphasized the need for a comprehensive peace, security, and economic plan in the region.
• Recent Gallup polling shows 65% of Democrats sympathize with Palestinians compared to 17% who support Israel, while 70% of Republicans back Israel.

Emanuel spoke at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin. He questioned what the critics of Israel actually propose beyond ending weapons support.

“I’m interested in being as vigorous and strong about what a security peace agreement would bring to both the United States and to Israel and to the alliance and how you can build on that,” Emanuel told Fox News Digital.

“Now, people will criticize it. Fine. You got to tell me your plan. And your plan can’t just be we’re going to cut off funding for weapons. What’s your peace idea? What’s your security idea? What’s the economic package? I’ve laid out mine,” the Democrat continued. “I’m looking forward to anybody else wanting to run. Because guess what? The White House comes with more than just the Oval Office. It comes with a place called the Situation Room. And you better know your way around it.”

Emanuel warned that the current path is unsustainable. He stressed that any policy must maintain American public support.

“Look, as I said then, I believe in the alliance,” Emanuel responded. “I believe in the United States’ interest in the alliance. But the path we’re on is unsustainable. And I believe I’m being honest and bringing candor to it. And I think I bring a level of authenticity having worked on both the peace process and also the security of an ally, the state of Israel. But you can’t sustain something that doesn’t have the support of the American people.”

The former Chicago mayor and Obama chief of staff also said he is not interested in starting another war in the Middle East. He has held key positions in Congress, the White House, and as ambassador to Japan.

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