Rep. Ro Khanna says he was detained by Israeli military and settlers in West Bank

U.S. Representative Ro Khanna stated he was detained by settlers and the Israeli military in the occupied West Bank, only being released after calls to the American Embassy in Jerusalem. The incident occurred Wednesday while Khanna visited a Palestinian village abandoned after settler attacks, according to his office.

Masked men with guns stopped Khanna's group and prevented them from leaving. Khanna's office said Israeli soldiers arrived and interacted amicably with the captors, blocking the congressman's party's exit. Khanna's group was allowed to proceed only after the U.S. Embassy and Israeli police were contacted.

"If this can happen to an American member of Congress, imagine what life is like for Palestinians who have no smartphones, no security, and no national platform," Khanna said in a fundraising email. The California Democrat, who is exploring a presidential bid in 2028, used the confrontation to draw attention to the plight of Palestinians.

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If this can happen to an American member of Congress, imagine what life is like for Palestinians who have no smartphones, no security, and no national platform.

The Israeli Defense Forces issued a statement denying detaining any visitors. The IDF said troops were dispatched to disperse Israeli civilians who were blocking foreign nationals and media in Khirbet Zanuta, and that soldiers did not participate in the blocking. The military also reported detaining four suspects attacking foreign journalists traveling to another West Bank community.

The incident highlights escalating political tensions involving Israel and its ally, the United States, particularly within the Democratic Party. A recent survey indicated a growing number of Democrats believe the U.S. is too supportive of Israel.

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Upon receiving the report, IDF troops were dispatched to the scene, quickly dispersed the Israeli civilians, and reopened the blocked road. The IDF soldiers operating in the area did not take part in blocking the road.