Avi Benlolo: Rahm Emanuel’s self-righteous finger wagging at Israel

(FILES) Rahm Emanuel (Photo by Saul LOEB / AFP) Photo by SAUL LOEB /AFP via Getty Images

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It might be true that Israel needs to work toward a reset. Obviously, the Jewish state has been in survival mode after the atrocities of October 7. Defending itself against Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis and of course, Iran. That would tilt any nation off course. But it did not need a beat-down lecture at Tel Aviv University from the former Obama acolyte, Chicago Mayor and aspiring U.S. President, Rahm Emanuel.

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We already know the war has been devastating on Israel’s popularity: some European nations have turned their back on the Jewish state and America’s love-affair is teetering. This is particularly the case in the Democratic Party, now overshadowed by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s anti-Israel narrative. Any aspiring leader in the Democratic party today must be critical of Israel to stand a chance at winning a seat or in Emanuel’s case, the presidency.

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No one in Israel was waiting anxiously to hear what Emanuel had to say: “I flew here from Chicago to tell you directly where things need to head if we are going to maintain the historic alliance that binds our two democracies.” It may have gone unnoticed that the fact he could speak openly in Tel Aviv as opposed to Tehran was a sign of the strength of America and Israel’s durable alliance.

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No matter. Emanuel wants to impose the growing narrative in his own party: “without question, the alliance is at a crossroads. It cannot stand or survive as it has been. To maintain the strength of our ties, we need significant changes and a new direction.” Funny! When was the last time anyone stood in front of the Palestinian Authority telling President Mahmoud Abbas it’s time for a new direction?

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It takes a special type of chutzpah to stand before a people who have been fighting the barbarians on behalf of the world while they mourn their sons and daughters. They still suffer post-trauma from the October 7 savagery. But then to tell them plainly that they have turned from a start-up nation into “being considered primarily a territorial pariah” because they have been fighting a war they did not start? Are you serious?

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He is so wise: “You need to think about what that means for your future.” What that means to every Israeli and Jew around the world, Mr. Emanuel, is that Israel is defending its future and protecting its past. A strong Israel will produce peace, protect its democracy, and reinvigorate The Abraham Accords in the region. A strong Israel will allow its citizens the space they need to continue growing, innovating, and producing the technological miracles many nations (including America) enjoy today.

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Threatening Israeli banks, construction companies and officials with sanctions is not the path forward to strengthening the ties between Israel and America. That threat is no different than an acquiescence to the Palestinian street protesters that has long advocated for boycotts, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) against the state of Israel. Israel has had to circle its wagons — to fortify itself — these last three years. What Israel needs most now is a helping hand that cares, that helps steer it to its next chapter, not a hand that threatens to harm it with sanctions.