Rep. Ro Khanna reports being detained by Israeli settlers in West Bank

Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, reported being detained by armed Israeli settlers while visiting the West Bank on July 11, 2026. According to Khanna's office, he and his team were surrounded by settlers near the Palestinian village of Khirbet Zanuta, who were armed with American-made M4 machine guns. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) arrived at the scene, and Khanna claimed they sided with the settlers. The situation was resolved when Israeli police officers arrived and dispersed the settlers blocking the congressional group's path. Khanna stated, 'I'm certainly probably the first American politician who's been detained by the IDF and Israeli settlers.' He expressed that the incident has influenced his thoughts on a potential presidential run, emphasizing the need for a new moral direction in the Democratic Party. The Israeli military confirmed that troops intervened after receiving reports of settlers obstructing vehicles and stated that they dispersed the civilians upon arrival.