US Representative Ro Khanna reported that he and his tour group were detained by armed Israeli settlers during a visit to the occupied West Bank on July 9, 2026. Khanna criticized the Israeli army for siding with the settlers during the incident, which has raised concerns about settler violence in the region.
Incident Details and Khanna's Reaction
In a post on X, Khanna described how rifle-wielding settlers detained his group, stating, "When the [Israeli army] arrived, they sided with the settlers and continued our detention." He plans to provide further details about the experience shortly. Khanna condemned the incident, warning that it shows a significant error on Israel's part.
Khanna characterized the settlers as “hoodlums … with machine guns,” explaining that they blocked the road and called in the military for support. He noted that the armed settlers were using US-made assault rifles, which raised serious questions about US military aid.
Escalating Violence in the West Bank
The incident has highlighted the growing issue of settler violence in the occupied West Bank, particularly since the onset of Israel's military actions in Gaza nearly three years ago. Rights organizations have reported increased aggressiveness among settlers, claiming they feel empowered by the Israeli government.
Amnesty International has accused Israel of conducting a state-backed campaign of ethnic cleansing in the West Bank. In response to rising violence, several Western countries have imposed sanctions on networks linked to these actions.
Political Implications and Future Actions
Khanna, who is contemplating a presidential run in 2028, expressed his dissatisfaction with how American tax dollars are being used to support these actions. Cameron Kasky, an aide who accompanied Khanna, mentioned that they were held for over an hour and appealed to the US embassy in Jerusalem for assistance.
The Israeli military stated that troops and police intervened after receiving reports of settlers blocking vehicles in the area. As the US Congress reviews military spending legislation, bipartisan calls for an end to military aid to Israel are increasing, with both Republicans and Democrats expressing their concerns.
- July 9, 2026: Ro Khanna detained by Israeli settlers
- US Military Aid: Growing scrutiny and calls for restrictions
- Settler Violence: Increased reports since Gaza conflict
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
