Ro Khanna Calls For Probe After Confrontation By Israeli Settlers, Soldiers
Photo: Ro Khanna Facebook.
Ro Khanna Calls For Probe After Confrontation By Israeli Settlers, Soldiers
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Ro Khanna has accused armed Israeli settlers and Israeli soldiers of detaining him and other American citizens in the West Bank and called for an investigation into the episode.
Khanna (D-CA), told NBC News that settlers carrying M4 rifles stopped his delegation during a three-day visit to the occupied territory.
“They had violent settlers detain American citizens, including an American government official,” Khanna said.
“You had these settlers brandishing M4s, kicking the tires of our van, laughing at us, mocking us, videotaping us.”
Khanna said the settlers held the delegation for about 20 minutes before four Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers arrived. Instead of immediately clearing the road, he alleged, the soldiers continued to block the group.
“We were detained for about 20 minutes, fearful of our lives,” Khanna added.
“Then the IDF comes — four soldiers — they tell our translator that they’re on the side of the settlers. They further detain us and block us in.”
The delegation then contacted the US Embassy.
Khanna said a US Embassy official identified as David Brownstein intervened and contacted Israeli authorities. The group was allowed to proceed about 75 minutes after the episode began.
The IDF disputed Khanna’s account of its role. In a statement quoted during the NBC News interview, the Israeli military said troops were sent to the spot and cleared the obstruction.
“IDF troops were dispatched to the scene quickly, dispersed the Israeli civilians, and reopened the blocked road. The IDF soldiers operating in the area did not take part in blocking the road,” the statement said.
Khanna rejected the IDF’s account.
“The IDF is lying,” he said. “What happened was unprecedented.”
The Congressman called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order an investigation into the settlers and the four IDF soldiers.
“The Prime Minister needs to open an investigation on these violent settlers,” Khanna said. “They need to be prosecuted.”
“Security cameras can see that they were involved in the detention of American citizens. How dare they mistreat people with an American passport that way?”
Khanna is now being attacked by pro-Israel politicians and groups. (IANS)
Naj
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Why did this nut go to Israel in the first place?
July 13, 2026how doe that benefit his constituents?
Prthvi chauhan
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Exactly. All for publicity.
Now, he’ll think twice before stepping foot on Israeli soil uninvited. It’s not Seattle or Minneapolis.
Did he give advance notice of his visit and purpose? Was it approved? Or, did he think it’s a walk in the park.
July 13, 2026Daljit Singh
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Ro Khanna is a spokesperson and a champion of human rights. He goes everywhere he finds the abuses of these cherished rights. These are the values of a civilized person representing the moral sides of humanity.
July 13, 2026Gabbar Singh
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As a true champion of human rights, Ro should stay back in Gaza to improve the plight of the people there.
July 13, 2026Tara
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Ro Khanna is NO spokesperson or a champion of human rights. His values are skewed. He should first go and fix his own backyard before he ventures out to help others. Does he think the world will revolve around him when he goes abroad on his travels?
July 13, 2026