US Representative Ro Khanna said he and members of his delegation were held for more than an hour by armed Israeli settlers during a fact-finding visit to the southern occupied West Bank, an incident he said reinforced his determination to consider a 2028 presidential bid.
Speaking to Reuters, the California Democrat said settlers carrying M4 rifles surrounded and blocked his convoy on Wednesday near Khirbet Zanuta, a Palestinian community that has seen repeated settler attacks and displacement. Khanna alleged that Israeli soldiers who initially arrived at the scene sided with the settlers before police later intervened and cleared the road.
The Israeli military confirmed security forces responded to reports of civilians blocking vehicles near Khirbet Zanuta, saying troops dispersed the settlers and allowed the convoy to continue. It did not address Khanna's allegation that soldiers initially supported the settlers.
The incident comes amid growing divisions within the Democratic Party over US policy toward Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Khanna is among a number of Democratic lawmakers calling for greater scrutiny of US military aid to Israel, including concerns over American-supplied weapons used by settlers.
Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law, a position Israel rejects, arguing the territory's final status should be determined through negotiations.
Khanna said US lawmakers who remain silent on Israeli policies in the occupied West Bank are 'morally compromised.'
