US Congressman Ro Khanna Claims Armed Settlers Detained Him in South Hebron Hills

Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna alleged that he was detained by armed Israeli settlers during a visit to the South Hebron Hills in the West Bank. According to Khanna's office, while touring near the Palestinian village of Khirbet Zanuta, he and his delegation were surrounded by settlers carrying US-made M4 rifles. The settlers reportedly blocked their path, and when Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers arrived, Khanna claimed they sided with the settlers and did not assist the delegation. Only after Israeli police intervened and dispersed the settlers and their vehicles blocking the road was the delegation able to continue.

Khanna criticized the IDF and threatened legal action, stating in a Fox News interview, "If this is how an American congressman is treated, imagine what Palestinian families endure just trying to live their lives." He called on Israel to prosecute the violent settlers and the IDF soldiers who allegedly detained American citizens. In a Reuters interview, Khanna said he believed he was "probably the first American politician detained by the IDF and Israeli settlers."

Khanna, known as a prominent critic of Israeli policies within the Democratic Party and mentioned as a potential 2028 US presidential candidate, said the incident strengthened his resolve to consider running for president. "I am seriously considering it, and after this visit, I am even more determined to explore the possibility. We need a new moral direction in our party, a vision that respects human dignity and rights worldwide," he said.

The IDF responded to Reuters that forces and police were dispatched following reports of Israeli civilians blocking vehicles near Khirbet Zanuta. The army stated that upon arrival, the Israeli civilians were dispersed and the road was reopened, allowing vehicles to proceed.