Key facts
- US Representative Ro Khanna was detained by armed Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
- The settlers used U.S.-made rifles and blocked Khanna's delegation.
- Khanna stated the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) sided with the settlers.
- The incident occurred near Khirbet Zanuta.
- Khanna's group was released after the U.S. Embassy and Israeli police were contacted.
US Representative Ro Khanna reported being detained for approximately 90 minutes by armed Israeli settlers near Khirbet Zanuta in the occupied West Bank. Khanna stated that settlers armed with U.S.-made M4 rifles surrounded his delegation's van while they were visiting a Palestinian village allegedly destroyed by settlers. He claimed that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) sided with the settlers and blocked his group's exit, showing 'no respect' for the Americans present. Khanna characterized the incident as an illustration of 'the arrogance of power' and 'total impunity.' His group was eventually able to proceed after contacting the U.S. Embassy and Israeli police. The IDF confirmed that troops and police responded to a report of settlers obstructing foreign nationals and media, stating its forces dispersed the civilians and reopened the road, and that soldiers did not participate in the blocking. The incident occurred amid increased criticism of Israel from Democratic politicians following the war in Gaza.