Emanuel advocates a 23-state framework involving Israel, the Palestinians, and 21 Arab League members, arguing the two-state solution is discredited and stressing a governance model that acknowledges historic Jewish ties to the land.

Emanuel emphasizes Israel’s strengths in innovation and economy and calls for renewed focus on a prosperous future, while acknowledging past offers of Palestinian sovereignty tied to security.

His prior appearances in Chicago, Concord, New Hampshire, and at the Obama Presidential Center dedication set the stage for his Tel Aviv remarks.

He plans to visit a hospital serving Israelis and Palestinians and meet a family of an October 7 hostage, while choosing not to meet Israeli officials to avoid influencing upcoming elections.

Emanuel frames the trip as part of a broader, unconventional campaign approach and indicates he would delay a formal presidential announcement until after the 2026 midterms.

The speech aims to present a conditional framework for U.S.-Israel relations emphasizing diplomacy, accountability, and potential peace efforts involving a broader regional coalition.

The backdrop includes a 2025 image of Trump with Netanyahu, illustrating how high-level U.S.–Israel relations have been a recurring theme and how Emanuel’s remarks will contrast with past depictions.

He argues that the U.S. must pursue a new, sustainable path to peace by expanding full diplomatic relations with Arab states, fostering credible Palestinian institutions, and reducing American subsidies to Israel’s defense budget.

Rahm Emanuel, a potential Democratic candidate and longtime Israel advocate, will deliver a speech in Tel Aviv criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu and arguing that U.S.-Israel relations are at a crossroads requiring a new direction.

His policy proposals include sanctioning Israeli actors who harm Palestinian civilians or support illegal settlements, and ending certain U.S. defense subsidies so Israel can buy American arms under the same terms as other trusted allies.

Polls show rising Democratic skepticism of Israel, with a notable share viewing U.S. support as excessive and some even labeling Israel's actions as genocidal during the Gaza conflict.

Emanuel has deep ties to Israel, including family connections and past involvement in Arab–Israeli peace efforts, and he speaks as a friend rather than a distant observer.