A US congressman, Ro Khanna, was detained by Israeli settlers and the Israeli military in the West Bank. The incident occurred during a three-day tour of the West Bank, where Khanna visited a Palestinian village that had been abandoned after settler attacks.
Details of the Incident
According to Khanna’s office, the confrontation took place in the town of Khirbet Zanuta. Masked men with guns stopped Khanna’s group and refused to let them leave. When Israeli soldiers arrived, Khanna was disheartened to see them interact in a friendly manner with the settlers and block the exit for his party.
The US Embassy and Israeli police were called, and only then was Khanna’s group allowed to proceed. Khanna stated that the incident highlights the difficulties faced by Palestinians who have no national platform and no security.
Response from the Israeli Military
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) denied detaining any visitors in the incident. The IDF stated that it received a report of Israeli citizens blocking foreign nationals and media in Khirbet Zanuta and dispatched troops to the scene, who quickly dispersed the Israeli civilians and reopened the blocked road.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
