Key facts
- U.S. Democratic lawmaker Ro Khanna was detained by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
- Khanna stated the settlers were armed with U.S.-made M4 rifles.
- The incident occurred near Khirbet Zanuta, a Palestinian hamlet.
- Khanna is considering a 2028 presidential run.
- The Israeli military confirmed troops and police intervened to disperse the settlers.
U.S. Democratic lawmaker Ro Khanna reported being detained by Israeli settlers armed with M4 rifles during a visit to the West Bank. Khanna, who is considering a 2028 presidential run, described the incident as an unfiltered look at the human toll of Israeli occupation. He stated that settlers surrounded his group's van while they were observing a destroyed Palestinian village, blocking the road and eventually calling the Israeli military (IDF). An aide said they were held for over an hour before police intervened and facilitated their release. The Israeli military confirmed that troops and police dispersed Israeli civilians who were blocking vehicles near Khirbet Zanuta, a Palestinian hamlet. Khanna, a progressive lawmaker from California, indicated that the experience strengthened his resolve to consider a presidential bid. The incident highlights divisions within the Democratic party regarding Israel's conduct toward Palestinians, with favorability ratings among Democrats having significantly declined. Congress is increasingly seeing pressure to cut military aid to Israel, which amounts to $3.8 billion annually.