U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said he and other American citizens were briefly detained by armed Israeli settlers during a visit to the occupied West Bank, an incident that has drawn attention amid ongoing debate over security, human rights, and U.S. policy toward Israel.
Khanna said the encounter occurred while his group was touring areas near the Palestinian village of Khirbet Zanuta. The Israeli military acknowledged responding to reports of settlers blocking vehicles but offered a different description of how the incident ended.
Incident
According to Khanna, the group was traveling near Khirbet Zanuta in the southern West Bank when armed Israeli settlers surrounded their van.
The congressman said he had been visiting locations where Palestinian property, including a school, had reportedly been damaged.
Khanna alleged that the settlers, whom he said were carrying U.S.-made weapons, prevented his group from leaving the area.
Statement
Following the incident, Khanna criticized the actions of the settlers and called for accountability.
In a public statement, he said, “If they will do this to an American congressman, imagine what is happening to Palestinian families who are just trying to live.”
He also said he expects Israeli authorities to investigate and prosecute anyone found responsible for unlawfully detaining American citizens.
Military
The Israeli military confirmed that troops and police responded after receiving reports that Israeli civilians were blocking vehicles.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, security personnel dispersed the civilians and allowed the vehicles to continue.
The military’s statement did not indicate that Khanna or his group had been formally detained.
| Incident Details | Information |
|---|---|
| U.S. Official | Rep. Ro Khanna |
| Location | Near Khirbet Zanuta, West Bank |
| Reported Incident | Vehicles blocked by Israeli settlers |
| Israeli Response | Troops and police responded |
| Outcome | Vehicles allowed to continue |
Reaction
The incident prompted differing reactions from U.S. officials.
Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., questioned the purpose of Khanna’s visit, suggesting it was intended to attract publicity.
Meanwhile, Cameron Kasky, an aide accompanying Khanna, stated on social media that the group was held for more than an hour while meeting with Palestinian Americans in the area.
Context
The West Bank has remained a center of longstanding tensions between Israelis and Palestinians since Israel captured the territory in 1967.
Approximately three million Palestinians live in the territory alongside hundreds of thousands of Israeli settlers.
Many countries consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank to be illegal under international law, although Israel disputes that interpretation and views the territory as disputed land with historical significance to the Jewish people.
Recent sanctions by several countries have targeted certain Israeli settlers and settlement activities amid concerns over violence in the region.
Outlook
Khanna’s visit comes as discussions continue in the United States over military assistance to Israel and the humanitarian situation in Palestinian territories.
The incident is likely to add to broader debates in Washington regarding U.S. policy in the region, particularly as lawmakers from both parties continue to express differing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The events described by Khanna and the response issued by the Israeli military present differing perspectives on what occurred. As international attention remains focused on developments in the West Bank, officials from both countries may provide additional information as the situation continues to be reviewed.
FAQs
Who said he was detained?
Rep. Ro Khanna of California.
Where did the incident occur?
Near Khirbet Zanuta in the West Bank.
What did the Israeli military say?
Troops dispersed civilians blocking vehicles.
How long was the group reportedly held?
More than one hour, according to an aide.
Why was Khanna visiting the West Bank?
He was touring communities and meeting residents.
