Ro Khanna Says Armed Israeli Settlers Detained US Delegation in West Bank
US Congressman Ro Khanna said he and other Americans were detained by armed Israeli settlers while travelling near the Palestinian village of Khirbet Zanuta in the occupied West Bank.
Khanna said the settlers surrounded the delegation's vehicle, threatened those inside and blocked their route. He alleged that Israeli soldiers later arrived, sided with the settlers and extended the detention before the group was allowed to leave after the US Embassy was contacted.
The California Democrat said the incident gave him a brief understanding of the fear and powerlessness Palestinians experience under military occupation. He called for an investigation into both the settlers involved and the Israeli soldiers he accused of prolonging the detention.
The Israeli military rejected Khanna's account, saying its troops dispersed those blocking the road. Khanna denied the claim and insisted Israeli forces failed to protect the delegation.
The incident has renewed attention on violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and ongoing international concerns over the legality of Israeli settlements.
