Ro Khanna accuses IDF of ‘lying’ about West Bank incident that led to detainment
Ro Khanna Accuses IDF of Lying Over West Bank Detention
Congressman Challenges Israeli Military's Version of Events
Ro Khanna accuses IDF of lying about a recent incident that led to his detention in the West Bank. The California representative made his allegations on Sunday, claiming Israeli military officials are presenting a false account of what transpired when he was held by settlers. This confrontation has sparked diplomatic discussions between Washington and Jerusalem.
The congressman shared his perspective during an appearance on NBC News's "Meet the Press." Host Kristen Welker outlined how Khanna traveled to a Palestinian community in southern West Bank on Wednesday. Armed settlers blocked the road and began shouting insults at the congressman and his staff. The situation worsened when the men started kicking the minibus carrying the delegation.
Khanna explained that four Israeli soldiers arrived and stood with the settlers. He and his team remained detained for roughly seventy-five minutes before being allowed to leave. Their release followed extended conversations between the U.S. embassy and a high-ranking Israeli official.
"The IDF is lying," Khanna declared. "What happened was unprecedented. They had violent settlers detain American citizens, including an American government official. You had these settlers brandishing M4s, kicking the tires of our van, laughing at us, mocking at us, videotaping us. We were detained for about 20 minutes, fearful of our lives."
The Israeli Defense Forces released a statement addressing the controversy. Military representatives claimed their troops responded quickly to restore order. Officials stated they "dispersed the Israeli civilians, and reopened the blocked road." The IDF also clarified that "The IDF soldiers operating in the area did not take part in blocking the road," challenging Khanna's interpretation of events.
Demands for Investigation Into Military Conduct
Khanna extended his criticism beyond the settlers to include the four IDF officers present. "How dare they mistreat people with an American passport that way?" he asked, voicing his displeasure at what he considered improper handling of American citizens by Israeli military personnel.
The congressman also targeted settlers linked to Yinon Levi, a well-known settlement leader. Khanna pointed out that Levi has been involved in destroying the village of Zanuta and is credited with killing Palestinian residents. "The prime minister needs to open an investigation on these violent settlers," Khanna called for, echoing remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the same program.
"Now, I heard the prime minister," Khanna said of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who spoke earlier in the program. "And he said Israel is a country of law and order. Well, let me be very specific. The prime minister needs to open an investigation on these violent settlers who are connected to Yinon Levi, who has destroyed Zanuta's village and is a known person who has killed Palestinians."
Netanyahu characterized Israel as a "country of laws" while acknowledging a "vigilante effort not by the settler community." The prime minister described most settlers as "law-abiding citizens" but noted the community contains approximately "150 juvenile delinquents." He stressed that Israel functions as a democracy that enforces legal consequences for violations.
"I don't want vigilantes of any kind," Netanyahu told Welker. "And we are working to put them under the law. But I think if we put things in perspective, we should see that we have thousands of attacks. And some, few, but obvious breaking of the law, then we apply the full measure of the law against them. Israel, unlike our neighbors, is a democracy and a country of laws, and we act against those who break the law."
Khanna's growing prominence as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate has amplified attention on this incident. The congressman has become increasingly vocal in criticizing Israeli policies, especially concerning military operations in Gaza. His public challenge to the IDF's narrative adds another layer to ongoing U.S.-Israel relations and raises questions about how such incidents are handled in the future.