SAN JOSE, Calif. (Diya TV) — U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna said he was detained by armed Israeli settlers during a recent visit to the occupied West Bank. The California Democrat described the incident as a frightening experience and accused the Israeli military of failing to protect his delegation. However, Israeli officials disputed parts of his account and defended their response.
Khanna discussed the incident during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday. On the same program, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the claims and said Israel enforces its laws against anyone who breaks them. The exchange brought renewed attention to rising tensions in the West Bank and added to the debate over Israel’s security policies.
Khanna visited the West Bank as part of a three-day trip focused on meeting Palestinians and hearing about conditions in the territory. During one stop in a Palestinian village, he said armed Israeli settlers surrounded his delegation and blocked their vehicle from moving.
Khanna said the group feared for their safety throughout the encounter. He also claimed the settlers carried M4 rifles, kicked the tires of the delegation’s van, laughed at those inside, and recorded videos during the incident. According to Khanna, the group remained trapped for about 20 minutes before seeking help.
“I am certainly probably the first American politician who’s been detained by the IDF and Israeli settlers,” Khanna said during the interview.
He also challenged the Israeli military’s version of events. Khanna said the Israel Defense Forces did not protect his delegation and instead allowed the confrontation to continue. He added that the group contacted the U.S. Embassy for assistance and did not pass through the area until about 75 minutes later.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces rejected Khanna’s description of the incident. In a statement to NBC News, the military said troops arrived quickly after receiving reports from the area. The statement said soldiers dispersed the Israeli civilians and reopened the blocked road. It also stated that IDF personnel did not participate in blocking the road.
Israeli police also offered a different account. Authorities said officers witnessed no violence during the encounter. Police added that Khanna’s group had entered a closed military zone before officials later allowed them to continue.
Netanyahu also responded directly during his appearance on Meet the Press. He acknowledged that some individuals in the West Bank have acted outside the law. However, he stressed that Israel does not support vigilante behavior and takes legal action when necessary.
“We’re a country of laws, and people who break the law, we take them to court,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli leader also argued that authorities face frequent security threats in the West Bank. He said Israeli communities experience thousands of attempted attacks. At the same time, he described unlawful acts by a small number of individuals as isolated incidents rather than actions representing the broader settler community.
“I don’t want vigilantes of any kind,” Netanyahu said. He added that authorities continue working to enforce the law against anyone responsible for criminal acts.
Even so, Khanna strongly rejected the Israeli government’s explanation. He accused the IDF of providing false information about the encounter. He also urged Netanyahu to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
The dispute comes during a period of increasing political attention on Khanna. Reports have indicated that the California congressman is considering a possible campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. As a result, his overseas trip and public criticism of Israel have drawn additional interest from political observers.
