‘Unconditional support’ from America is bad for both countries, the Democratic leader warned.

When Rahm Emanuel, a prominent Jewish Democratic Party stalwart, stepped up to the podium at Tel Aviv University last week to offer his “tough love” speech to Israelis, he may well have been thinking of the irony, and parallels, to Bibi Netanyahu’s famous/infamous speech delivered to a joint session of the US Congress in 2015 in opposition to President Obama’s planned nuclear deal with Iran.

The two speeches were quite different in substance, but the occasions had a key element in common: a prominent politician addressing a close foreign ally, calling out its leadership for making a dangerous mistake that must be addressed to prevent disaster and preserve the relationship.

To put the dramatic moment in context, Emanuel, having served as a congressman, White House chief of staff, mayor of Chicago and US ambassador to Japan, is a likely contender for his party’s presidential nomination. His chances seem slim at this point, but his views on the US-Israel relationship are important because of the distinct position he has – as a deeply committed Jew and supporter of Israel as well as a leading Democrat whose party’s support for Israel is cratering. Emanuel set out to express to Israelis his love for the state, yet offer sharp criticism of its political leadership – a view held by most Israelis. More challenging, he sought to thread the needle between America’s anti-Israel left and pro-Israel right.

His speech, titled “An Honest Conversation,” received wide coverage the next day but is worth exploring more closely now for what he said, how he said it, and how it was heard in both countries. Reading the text alone doesn’t fully inform us. Emanuel’s voice, in delivering the talk and explaining his views on several podcasts, conveyed his passion, sincerity and concern for – and frustration with – Israel.

He began by warning his audience: “Hold your applause because you may not like it.” He then proceeded to explain why he believes the US-Israel alliance is “at a crossroads” and “cannot stand or survive as it has been,” calling for........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)