California Democratic Representative Ro Khanna was pressed on July 15, 2026, about whether Palestinians had a right to kill Israeli soldiers during the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Despite repeated questioning from left-wing journalist Jeremy Scahill during a livestream event, Khanna declined to justify any attacks on Israel during that incident.

The exchange followed Khanna's recent claims that he was detained by armed Israeli settlers while visiting the West Bank. Khanna expressed support for ending what he described as the Israeli "occupation" of Gaza and accused Israel of "apartheid" and "genocide." However, Scahill criticized Khanna for his reluctance to support a total arms embargo on Israel.

Scahill specifically asked Khanna, "Do Palestinians have a right to kill Israeli soldiers, Congressman? On October 7, when they attacked the military bases in the Gaza envelope, did the Al-Qassam Brigades and Saraya al-Quds have a right to kill Israeli soldiers? Yes or no?" Khanna responded, "I mean, I think October 7's attack was a terrorist attack, so I don't justify it."

Scahill further argued that while Israel is seen as having conditions under which it can kill Palestinians, there is never a condition under which Palestinians can attack armed uniformed soldiers of a force considered an occupying power under international law. Khanna did not affirm this position.

The discussion also touched on the impact of the conflict on Israeli civilians, with Khanna stating, "Israeli civilians are dying in these attacks because of the apartheid."

The October 7 attack by Hamas targeted military bases in the Gaza envelope, according to Drop Site News reporter Jeremy Scahill.

Sources