A Democrat Rep. is pleading for Israel to release a man imprisoned by Israel who is serving five life sentences for planning attacks that killed many Israelis. 

Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) called on Israel to release Palestinian Marwan Barghouti, who was imprisoned after planning attacks on Israel that killed many Israelis during the second intifada. 

"Barghouti has a unique standing among all Palestinian factions," Khanna said in a video posted on X. "He's seen as non-corrupt, a strong leader, and secular. Barghouti could deliver a Palestinian state living in peace with Israel."

“Releasing Barghouti does not provide him with a pardon or moral absolution of crimes he may have committed,” Khanna said. “In fact, a number of human rights groups say he did not even receive a fair trial. But the release is needed to move peace forward…” 

Marwan Barghouti was one of Yasir Arafat's top lieutenants. 

“Palestinians must choose their own leaders," Khanna said. "Barghouti has a unique standing among all Palestinian factions. He’s seen as non-corrupt, a strong leader and secular. Barghouti could deliver a Palestinian state living in peace with Israel." 

Barghouti planned a suicide bombing in Jerusalem on March 2002 on King George V Street that killed three civilians and wounded 87. 

Many people on social media slammed Khanna over the proposal. 

https://townhall.com/news/scott-mcclallen/2026/09/26/ro-khanna-demands-israel-free-terrorist-serving-five-life-sentences-n2683650