American congressman challenges 'Israel': Release Barghouti and let the Palestinians choose their leadership
Democratic US Congressman Ro Khanna called on 'Israel' to release Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, asserting that Palestinians should choose their leaders themselves. The call drew support from American figures and criticism from Israeli and American activists and analysts.
Democratic US Congressman Ro Khanna called on 'Israel' to release Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, asserting in a video posted on platform 'X' that Palestinians should choose their leaders themselves. Khanna considered Barghouti to have a special status among Palestinian factions, describing him as a strong, honest, and secular leader who could play a role in any future political path leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state living in peace alongside 'Israel'. Khanna's call drew support from American figures, including journalist Nicholas Kristof, who considered releasing Barghouti a logical step for peace, and analyst Peter Beinart, who called on Democratic presidential candidates to adopt the stance. In contrast, the call faced criticism from Israeli and American activists and analysts focusing on the judicial rulings against Barghouti, who was convicted by an Israeli court in murder cases related to the Second Intifada.