US Congressman Detained by Israeli Settlers in West Bank; CNN Crew Vehicle Vandalized

US Congressman Ro Khanna, a progressive Democrat from California considering a 2028 presidential run, reported being detained by armed Israeli settlers during his visit to the West Bank this week. Khanna described how his group’s vehicle was surrounded by settlers wielding M4 rifles near a Palestinian village recently damaged by settlers. He said the settlers blocked their path and called the Israeli military, which sided with the settlers rather than the American delegation. Khanna’s aide Cameron Kasky said they were held for over an hour before police intervened and secured their release. The Israeli military confirmed that soldiers and police dispersed the settlers and allowed the vehicle to proceed after receiving reports of the blockade near the Palestinian village of Khirbet Zanuta, which had been abandoned following settler violence last November.

Separately, four suspects were arrested after blocking and damaging a CNN crew’s vehicle in the Palestinian village of Sinjil in the Binyamin area. Israeli police and military forces responded promptly, detained the suspects, and found weapons including batons and a knife in their vehicle. Authorities emphasized their commitment to investigating and prosecuting any violence or property damage, especially against journalists.

On the same day, clashes occurred near Ramallah, where several Palestinians were injured by live fire, rubber bullets, and stun grenades during confrontations in the village of Al-Murayyer. Earlier reports indicated settlers had brought livestock onto Palestinian lands, damaging crops, which led to stone-throwing and fire-setting incidents. Israeli forces intervened to disperse the unrest, resulting in the detention of a Palestinian involved in the disturbances.

Khanna’s visit follows that of another Democratic presidential hopeful, Rahm Emanuel, who recently criticized Israeli policies toward Palestinians and called for sanctions. Khanna said his experience in the West Bank strengthened his resolve to seriously consider a presidential bid. These incidents highlight ongoing tensions and violence involving settlers, Palestinians, and international visitors in the West Bank.