U.S. Representative Ro Khanna reports harassment by Israeli settlers

U.S. Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, publicly disclosed that he was subjected to harassment by Israeli settlers during a recent visit to the West Bank. In a statement released on Thursday, Khanna said that while traveling near the settlement of Ma’ale Adumim, a group of settlers approached his motorcade, shouted slogans, and attempted to block his vehicle, forcing his staff to intervene and redirect the convoy. The representative described the episode as “intimidating” and emphasized that such conduct undermines the ability of elected officials to engage in diplomatic dialogue in the region.

Khanna’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Israeli settler communities and Palestinian residents, a dynamic that has occasionally drawn criticism from international observers when foreign officials encounter hostility. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately comment on the specific incident, but a spokesperson for the settler organization involved denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the protesters were exercising their right to free expression. Khanna concluded his statement by urging both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to ensure the safety of all visitors and to uphold standards of civil discourse, noting that harassment of diplomatic personnel could have broader implications for U.S.–Israel relations.