US Congressman claims armed settlers detained him in West Bank

US Congressman Ro Khanna has accused armed Israeli settlers and Israeli soldiers of detaining him during a visit to the occupied West Bank, in an incident that is likely to intensify scrutiny of settler violence and Israel's security forces.

The Democratic representative from California said he and other Americans were prevented from leaving a Palestinian community until the US Embassy and Israeli police were contacted. The Israeli military disputes key elements of his account.

Confrontation Sparks Diplomatic Questions

Khanna said the incident unfolded on Wednesday during a three-day visit to the West Bank, as he toured Khirbet Zanuta, a Palestinian village whose residents had abandoned their homes following repeated settler attacks.

According to Khanna, masked settlers carrying American-made M4 rifles blocked his group's route and refused to let them leave. He alleged that when Israeli soldiers arrived, they interacted amicably with the settlers and continued restricting the group's movement rather than intervening on their behalf.

https://nytimes.com/2026/07/11/us/politics/ro-khanna-west-bank.html?unlocked_article_code=1.w1A.TRU0.uRTefevt1Hhb&smid=url-share…

Israeli Military Rejects Allegation

The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged receiving reports that Israeli civilians had blocked foreign nationals and journalists in the area but denied its troops participated in the roadblock.

The military said soldiers were dispatched to the scene, dispersed the civilians and reopened the road. Khanna, however, maintains his group was only able to leave after US diplomatic officials and Israeli police became involved.

Violence in the Spotlight

Reflecting on the encounter, Khanna said the episode highlighted the daily reality faced by Palestinians living under occupation, arguing that if a member of the US Congress could be detained, conditions were likely to be far worse for those without international attention or protection.

The confrontation came as tensions remained high across the West Bank, where attacks involving Israeli settlers have drawn increasing international concern.

Pressure Grows Over Settler Attacks

In a separate incident on Saturday, the Israeli military said it detained four suspects accused of attacking foreign journalists near the town of Sinjil. The suspects allegedly blocked a vehicle carrying reporters, damaged it and were armed with clubs and knives.

The West Bank has experienced a sharp rise in settlement expansion and settler violence in recent years. While Israeli authorities have condemned some of the most serious attacks, critics argue prosecutions remain rare, as pressure mounts on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government over policies that many governments and international organisations say undermine prospects for a future Palestinian state.

US congressman says armed Israeli settlers and military detained him during West Bank trip