Indian American Congressman Rockana Claims he was detained by armed Israeli settlers during a visit to occupied areas west banksaid his group’s vehicles were blocked for more than an hour before Israeli security forces intervened.
The California Democrat made the remarks during a visit to a Palestinian village, describing what he said were tense confrontations with settlers armed with U.S.-made M4 rifles.
The Israeli military later confirmed that troops and police responded to reports of civilians blocking vehicles in the area, but stopped short of characterizing the incident as a detention.
What happened to Ro Cana?
Khanna said he was visiting a Palestinian village destroyed by Israeli settlers when the incident occurred, Reuters reported.
“The village we were in was destroyed by Israeli settlers, they destroyed the school, they destroyed that village and we were just watching it,” Khanna said.
He claimed armed settlers surrounded the group’s van, blocked the road and prevented them from leaving.
“These gangsters came in with machine guns, M4s, American-made machine guns, and they detained us. They blocked the road. Then they called the IDF, and the IDF was on their side, not the Americans’ side,” Khanna told Reuters.
Group seeks help from U.S. Embassy
Cameron Caskey, an aide who accompanied Khanna, told Reuters the group was held by the settlers for more than an hour. Members of the delegation contacted the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem for help during the standoff, according to Kaski.
He said officers believed to be from the Israeli police later arrived, after which the group was able to continue their journey.
What does the Israeli military say?
this israeli military It confirmed that troops and police were dispatched after reports of Israeli civilians intercepting vehicles near the Palestinian hamlet of Kirbet Zanuta in the southern West Bank.
“On arrival, the troops dispersed Israeli civilians and allowed the vehicles to continue moving,” Reuters quoted the military as saying.
After Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, settlers attacked several times, resulting in the displacement of the village’s residents.
Khanna, considered a potential Democratic contender in the 2028 U.S. presidential election, said the visit reinforced his thoughts about a possible White House bid.
Asked by Reuters whether he was considering running for president, Khanna responded: “I am strongly considering it, and I am even more determined to consider it after this visit.”
