Rep. Ro Khanna Claims Detention by Armed Israeli Settlers During West Bank Visit

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., faced armed Israeli settlers wielding U.S.-made M4 rifles during a recent visit to the West Bank, an experience he described as a raw glimpse into the human cost of Israeli occupation while contemplating a 2028 presidential bid.

On Thursday, Khanna detailed how his group’s van was encircled by settlers brandishing military-grade weapons while touring a southern West Bank area plagued by frequent settler violence.

“We were at a village that Israeli settlers had destroyed; they had destroyed the school, they had destroyed that village, and we were just looking at it,” he stated.

Khanna condemned the settlers as “hoodlums” who detained them, blocking their path and summoning the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), who sided with the settlers rather than the Americans.

An aide, Cameron Kasky, confirmed they were held for over an hour and sought assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. Eventually, police intervened, leading to their release.

The Israeli military reported that troops and police responded to a complaint about settlers obstructing vehicles near Khirbet Zanuta, a Palestinian hamlet whose residents have faced violent displacement following recent attacks.

“Earlier this week (Wednesday), a report was received regarding Israeli civilians who were unlawfully blocking the vehicles of foreign nationals and members of the media in the area of Khirbet Zanuta,” an IDF spokesperson stated. “Upon receiving the report, IDF troops were dispatched to the scene, quickly dispersed the Israeli civilians, and reopened the blocked road.”

Israel Police confirmed they responded to reports of obstruction within a “closed military zone” controlled by the IDF. By the time officers arrived, IDF soldiers had already halted the tour group’s progress.

Police noted no violence occurred during the incident but warned the tour leader of potential arrest for violating military zone regulations. Officers informed participants that civilians were prohibited from entering the area before releasing them.

“A review of body-worn camera footage confirms that the group leader was explicitly warned by officers, as this was not his first time violating the Closed Military Zone order,” police added. “He was issued a final warning that any future violations would result in immediate arrest.”

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

In a subsequent statement, Khanna remarked, “If they will do this to an American congressman, imagine what is happening to Palestinian families who are just trying to live. I am grateful to David Brownstein of the American embassy for helping rescue us. I expect Israel will prosecute the violent settlers and IDF soldiers who detained American citizens.”

Khanna is among Democrats eyeing a presidential run, following Rahm Emanuel’s visit to Tel Aviv earlier in the week, where he criticized Israeli policies toward Palestinians as damaging U.S.-Israeli relations.

When asked about his presidential ambitions, Khanna stated: “I’m strongly considering it, and I’m more resolved to consider it after this trip.”

The treatment of Palestinians has become a contentious issue within Democratic politics ahead of upcoming midterm elections, contributing to primary losses for incumbents accused of supporting Israel’s right-wing government.

Polling indicates a significant drop in Israel’s favorability among Democrats, plummeting from 59% in 2018 to 22% in May.

While Israel has historically enjoyed bipartisan support in the U.S., a growing faction of Democrats is advocating for cuts to military aid, which totals $3.8 billion annually and includes funding for weaponry like M4 rifles used in conflicts.

Overlooking a valley filled with settler outposts near Turmus Ayya, home to many Palestinian American dual nationals, Khanna expressed concern that his party’s leadership is “clueless about how much of a moral test Palestine, Gaza and Israel have become.”

He emphasized his decision to visit only the West Bank with Palestinian-led programming to gain an unfiltered perspective on territory captured during the 1967 Middle East war.

“If you’re unwilling to speak up for Palestinian human rights, if you’re unwilling to speak up against the genocide in Gaza, the apartheid in the West Bank, then you are morally compromised,” Khanna asserted.

Israel denies allegations of genocide in Gaza or apartheid in the West Bank, which is home to approximately 3 million Palestinians and around 500,000 Jewish settlers.

Most nations and the United Nations consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law due to provisions against transferring civilian populations into occupied territories.

Israel disputes this characterization, claiming the West Bank is disputed land with a historical Jewish presence. Palestinians view it alongside Gaza and East Jerusalem as integral to their statehood.

Support for Israel remains robust among Republicans, although some factions within Trump’s coalition have also called for aid reductions.