PALESTINE: A United States congressman, Ro Khanna, has said he was detained by Israeli settlers and the Israeli military during a visit to a village in the occupied West Bank, describing the incident as a disturbing example of unchecked power and impunity.
The congressman said he and others were visiting a village that had been destroyed by Israeli settlers, including its school, when armed settlers blocked their road and detained them.
Khanna said the settlers were carrying weapons, including an American-made M4 rifle, before calling the Israeli military.
According to the lawmaker, Israeli soldiers sided with the settlers and showed little concern that American citizens, including a member of Congress, were present.
He said the experience was the first time he had felt sharply aware of being seen first as “brown,” then as an American congressman, and only later as an American citizen.
The congressman criticised what he described as the arrogance of young armed settlers and Israeli soldiers, saying they laughed despite being told that Americans were on the bus and that the US embassy was concerned.
Khanna said the conduct reflected “the arrogance of power” and a broader culture created by lack of accountability.
The lawmaker also questioned US support for Israel’s military, saying American tax dollars were funding soldiers who showed no respect while detaining Americans.
He called for a new moral direction in US politics, one based on dignity, accountability and respect for human rights around the world.
