US congressman says ‘IDF is lying’ about his detention by settlers and soldiers

U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna asserted on Sunday that Israeli officials are fabricating the details surrounding his recent detention. He accused the Israeli government and military of dishonesty regarding his encounter with armed settlers and Israeli soldiers during a visit to the occupied West Bank.

Khanna, a Democrat representing California, presented video evidence on social media depicting settlers and soldiers obstructing his convoy's path. The incident took place on Wednesday near the village of Zanuta in the South Hebron hills. This area has seen Palestinians forcibly removed from their homes, a practice that Amnesty International has characterized as a government-backed "ethnic cleansing campaign."

The congressman's accusations come amid a diplomatic exchange, with the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. reportedly labeling Khanna's actions as a political stunt. This framing by the ambassador suggests an attempt to divert attention from existing support for figures like Graham Platner. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and differing narratives surrounding Israeli actions in the West Bank.