Ram Emanuel Criticizes Netanyahu for Losing American Support and Warns of Global Backlash

Ram Emanuel, former White House Chief of Staff and Democratic presidential candidate, told Israeli media on July 7 that Israel's problem is not with the Democratic Party but with America itself. Speaking to ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth, Emanuel blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for losing American public support for Israel, especially among younger generations under 30. He said Netanyahu abandoned three of four key national security tools, economic policy, political influence, and cultural appeal, relying solely on military power, which Emanuel described as a costly mistake.

Emanuel recounted his strained personal relationship with Netanyahu, recalling a 2009 warning he gave the prime minister about his chosen political path leading Israel to a dead end. Netanyahu allegedly responded by accusing Emanuel of self-hatred, a claim Emanuel rejected. He avoided meeting Netanyahu or other Israeli politicians during his visit, except for President Isaac Herzog, citing Netanyahu's tendency to accuse him of interfering in Israeli elections.

Addressing American Jewish attitudes, Emanuel referenced a recent AP poll showing New York City Mayor Eric Adams, perceived as anti-Israel, more popular among American Jews than Netanyahu. He supported Israel's right to military action in Gaza following the October 7 massacre but criticized subsequent government policies in Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon. Emanuel noted that four U.S. presidents, Bush, Obama, Trump (first term), and Biden, refused Netanyahu's requests for military action against Iran, advocating instead for economic and diplomatic sanctions. He warned that continued Israeli settler violence in the West Bank, if tolerated by the government, would provoke international condemnation.

The full interview is scheduled for publication on Friday in Yedioth Ahronoth's weekend supplement.