U.S. Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, reported that he and his delegation were detained for over an hour by armed Israeli settlers while visiting the occupied West Bank on July 8, 2026. The incident occurred near the Palestinian village of Khirbet Zanuta, an area that has seen significant displacement following previous settler activity. Khanna stated that his group was stopped by masked, armed individuals who prevented them from leaving the area.
According to the congressman, members of the Israel Defense Forces arrived at the scene but did not immediately intervene to allow his party to proceed. Khanna described the interaction between the soldiers and the settlers as appearing friendly, noting that the military also blocked the exit for his group. The delegation was only able to leave after coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and local Israeli police.
The Israel Defense Forces provided a different account of the event. In a statement, the military confirmed receiving reports of Israeli civilians blocking foreign nationals and media in Khirbet Zanuta. The IDF stated that troops were dispatched to the scene to disperse the civilians and reopen the road, explicitly denying that its soldiers participated in the blockade. The military added that it is currently reviewing the identity of the armed individual involved.
This event highlights the ongoing friction in the West Bank, where tensions between settlers and Palestinian communities remain high. For a member of the U.S. Congress to be caught in such a confrontation underscores the volatility of the region. As Khanna continues his work, the incident serves as a focal point for broader discussions regarding U.S. policy toward the region and the safety of those traveling through disputed territories.