U. S. Rep. Ro Khanna shared on Saturday that he was held by settlers and the Israeli military while visiting the occupied West Bank, only being freed after contacts were made with the American Embassy in Jerusalem. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed they did not detain any visitors during this event, which highlights rising political tensions between Israel and members of the Democratic Party.
A spokesperson for Khanna, a California Democrat known for his progressive views, stated that the incident took place on Wednesday amid a three-day tour of the West Bank. While visiting a Palestinian village that had been deserted following settler violence, armed men wearing masks halted his group and wouldn’t let them leave.
The New York Times reported that one of its photographers witnessed the incident. According to Khanna’s office, it happened in the town of Khirbet Zanuta.
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Khanna expressed disappointment when Israeli soldiers arrived and interacted positively with the settlers while blocking his group’s exit. It wasn’t until both the U. S. Embassy and Israeli police were contacted that Khanna’s party was finally allowed to continue.
“If this can happen to an American member of Congress, imagine what life is like for Palestinians who have no smartphones, no security, and no national platform,” Khanna said in a fundraising email sent shortly after he posted about the incident on Saturday as he considers running for president in 2028.
The IDF stated it had received reports of Israeli citizens obstructing foreign nationals and media in Khirbet Zanuta.
“Upon receiving the report, IDF troops were dispatched to the scene, quickly dispersed the Israeli civilians, and reopened the blocked road,” said a military statement. “The IDF soldiers operating in the area did not take part in blocking the road.”
Democratic leaders from across America have increased their criticisms of Israel amidst growing discontent among voters within their party since hostilities escalated in Gaza. Recently, former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel delivered a powerful speech in Tel Aviv where he referred to Israel as becoming a “territorial pariah.” Emanuel is also seen as a potential candidate for President.
A recent survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that approximately 58% of Democrats believe that America is “too supportive” of Israelis.
On Saturday as well, Israeli forces announced they had detained four individuals who attacked foreign journalists heading to Sinjil, another community located in West Bank. According to military reports, these assailants blocked reporters’ vehicles and caused damage while armed with clubs and knives.
CNN reported having journalists among those who faced attacks. The network mentioned they were covering events marking one year since a Palestinian-American man was killed by settlers.
The past few years have seen an increase in settlement construction along with settler violence against Palestinians throughout the West Bank. Although some Israeli officials denounce severe acts committed by settlers, these incidents are often viewed as exceptions where perpetrators face minimal consequences.
The international community largely regards these settlements as illegal under international law. Under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, there has been significant backlash from both Palestinians and human rights organizations concerning aggressive settlement expansion aimed at obstructing any prospects for establishing an independent Palestinian state there.
Israel considers West Bank territory as disputed land with its final status yet to be determined through negotiations; various key Cabinet ministers are advocating formal annexation of this territory.
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