US Congressman Ro Khanna reported being detained for 90 minutes by armed Israeli settlers during a visit to the occupied West Bank on July 6, 2026. Khanna, along with his team, was surrounded by settlers armed with M4 rifles while traveling in a van. He stated that when the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) arrived, they sided with the settlers and continued their detention.
Details of the Incident
Khanna, 49, expressed his shock at the situation, stating, "We were at a village that Israeli settlers had destroyed; they had destroyed the school and that village, and we were just looking at it." He described the settlers as "hoodlums" who blocked the road with their guns. The incident occurred during his fact-finding visit to assess the impact of Israeli occupation in the area.
Upon arrival, the IDF claimed that troops and police took action after settlers reported blocking vehicles. They stated, "Upon their arrival, the troops dispersed the Israeli civilians and allowed the vehicles to continue on their way." However, Khanna felt that the IDF was not on the side of the Americans.
Appeals for Help
While detained, Khanna's aide made appeals to the US Embassy in Jerusalem for assistance. Eventually, a group of police officers intervened, allowing Khanna and his team to be released. Khanna's experience highlights the ongoing tensions in the region, particularly concerning the treatment of Palestinians and foreign visitors.
Context of Israeli Settlements
The incident occurs against the backdrop of a significant Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank. Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has established approximately 160 settlements housing around 700,000 Jews. These settlements are deemed illegal under international law, and about 3.3 million Palestinians live alongside them, often facing restrictions.
- Israeli settlers have established around 160 settlements.
- Approximately 700,000 Jews reside in these settlements.
- 3.3 million Palestinians live in the West Bank.
Khanna, who is contemplating a presidential run in 2028, emphasized the need for accountability regarding the Israeli occupation. As the situation continues to evolve, international attention remains focused on the dynamics between settlers, the IDF, and Palestinian residents.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC World. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
