California Congressman Ro Khanna has revealed that he is seriously weighing a campaign for the White House in 2028, saying a recent visit to the occupied West Bank strengthened his resolve to consider a presidential bid.
The Democratic lawmaker linked his decision to a dramatic encounter in which he and other Americans were reportedly detained by armed Israeli settlers during a congressional delegation’s visit to a Palestinian community.
Congressman Recounts Armed Standoff in the West Bank
Khanna said the incident unfolded on July 8 near the Palestinian hamlet of Khirbet Zanuta, where he and members of his delegation had gone to observe the remains of a village that had been largely abandoned after previous settler attacks.
According to Khanna, armed settlers arrived while the group was touring the area, blocking their vehicle and preventing them from leaving for more than an hour.
He said the settlers carried American-made M4 rifles and surrounded the delegation’s van while restricting its movement.
Khanna Criticises Israeli Military Response
The congressman accused Israeli security forces of siding with the settlers instead of assisting the American delegation.
Khanna claimed that after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) arrived, soldiers initially interacted with the settlers and did not immediately remove the roadblock.
He argued that the experience demonstrated the difficulties Palestinians regularly face, saying that if an American member of Congress could be detained in such circumstances, the situation for ordinary Palestinian families must be even more severe.
Khanna also called for Israeli authorities to investigate and prosecute both the settlers involved and any security personnel found to have acted improperly.
Embassy Intervention Ends the Standoff
The confrontation reportedly lasted about 90 minutes before Israeli police and officials from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem intervened.
An aide accompanying Khanna contacted the embassy during the incident, and the group was eventually allowed to continue its journey after authorities cleared the road.
The Israeli military later confirmed that troops and police had responded to reports of settlers obstructing vehicles near Khirbet Zanuta.
According to the military, security forces dispersed the civilians responsible for the blockade and enabled the vehicles to proceed.
The U.S. Embassy assisted the delegation but has not publicly commented on the incident.
West Bank Visit Focused on Palestinian Communities
Khanna’s three-day visit was organised by his congressional office and centred on conditions in the occupied West Bank.
During the trip, he met Palestinian residents in several communities, including Turmus Ayya, a town near Ramallah that is home to many Palestinian-Americans with dual citizenship.
The congressman has been one of the Democratic Party’s most outspoken critics of Israeli government policies, particularly regarding the treatment of Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank.
Trip Reinforces Presidential Aspirations
Speaking after the visit, Khanna acknowledged that the experience had strengthened his interest in seeking higher office.
He said the events in the West Bank left him even more determined to consider entering the 2028 presidential race, describing the trip as personally and politically significant.
Although he has not officially launched a campaign, his comments represent one of his clearest indications yet that he is seriously evaluating a bid for the Democratic nomination.
Human Rights Remain Central to His Message
Throughout the trip, Khanna argued that the conflict represents a defining moral issue for the Democratic Party.
He said elected officials have a responsibility to speak out on Palestinian human rights and criticised what he described as Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The California congressman has repeatedly urged fellow Democrats to confront the issue directly, insisting that remaining silent would carry moral consequences.
His latest remarks are expected to fuel further debate within the Democratic Party as discussions about the 2028 presidential election gradually begin to take shape.
