Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter Denounces Congressman Ro Khanna Over West Bank Visit Dispute

Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter sharply criticized Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna on Tuesday following Khanna's claims that he was detained by armed settlers during a visit to the West Bank. In a tweet, Leiter disputed Khanna's account, emphasizing facts over accusations. He stated that Khanna did not coordinate his visit with the Israeli government despite offers for full scheduling cooperation and failed to notify the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem of his arrival.

Leiter further alleged that Khanna was accompanied by Palestinian activists, New York Times journalists waiting with cameras, and a person linked to J Street, an organization he described as opposing the Israeli government in Capitol Hill. According to Leiter, Khanna and his group entered a closed military zone without permission or prior notification to the Israeli army, which caused suspicion. However, once Khanna's identity was confirmed, he was allowed to proceed. The ambassador stressed that neither Khanna nor his entourage were threatened by soldiers or armed civilians.

Leiter accused Khanna of exploiting the incident to accuse Israel of "genocide" and "apartheid," calling the event a "cheap and predictable provocation" that could have been avoided. After Khanna called Leiter a liar, the ambassador responded that name-calling would not change the facts and invited Khanna to the Israeli Embassy in Washington for a detailed discussion about his complaints regarding Israel.

Khanna had told Reuters that during his recent West Bank tour, his vehicle was surrounded by a group of settlers carrying M4 rifles. He also described witnessing the destruction of a Palestinian village and school by Israeli settlers.