US Congressman Ro Khanna, a progressive Democrat from California, was detained by armed Israeli settlers during a visit to the West Bank this week. The confrontation occurred Wednesday in an area of the southern West Bank that has experienced repeated attacks, taking place during a three-day tour.
Khanna stated that the settlers were armed with US-made rifles. He described the experience as an unfiltered, first-hand view of the human toll and the realities faced by Palestinians living under occupation.
The lawmaker further accused the Israel Defense Forces of supporting the settlers, reporting that soldiers spoke with the settlers and moved a car to block the road instead of intervening. Khanna warned that the Israeli forces made a "huge mistake."
The visit takes place as Khanna weighs a potential run for the presidency in 2028.