US Congressman Claims Armed Israeli Settlers Detained Him During West Bank Visit

Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna alleged that he and his group were detained by armed Israeli settlers while touring the West Bank this past Thursday. Khanna said their vehicle was surrounded near the Palestinian village of Khirbet Zanuta by settlers carrying American-made M4 rifles. He described the settlers blocking their path and calling the Israeli military, which he claimed sided with the settlers rather than the American visitors. Khanna’s aide, Cameron Casky, confirmed the group was held for over an hour and contacted the US Embassy in Jerusalem for assistance. Eventually, Israeli police intervened and freed the group.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told Reuters that soldiers and police responded to reports of settlers blocking vehicles near Khirbet Zanuta. Upon arrival, the IDF dispersed the settlers and allowed the vehicles to proceed. Khanna, known for his critical stance on Israel within the Democratic Party, said his visit focused solely on the West Bank and was organized by Palestinians. He also expressed increased determination to consider a presidential run following the trip and condemned what he called human rights abuses against Palestinians, including "genocide in Gaza" and "apartheid in the West Bank."

Separately, Israeli police announced arrests of four suspects involved in blocking foreign journalists’ vehicles and causing damage. The suspects were detained by IDF forces and police from the Benjamin station, who found batons and a knife in a vehicle search. The suspects are under investigation. This incident occurred amid other tensions in the area, including clashes involving Border Police and security guards at the Qalandiya checkpoint and Israeli civilians entering Qalqilya to retrieve a stolen motorcycle.