US Congressman Claims Israeli Military Misled Public After West Bank Detention
A United States congressman recently reported being detained by armed Israeli settlers and soldiers in the occupied West Bank, an incident that has ignited a diplomatic argument and fierce political debate. Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat, stated his vehicle was stopped for over an hour by settlers, who were later joined by Israeli military personnel.
Khanna quickly contacted the US embassy in Israel to resolve the situation. He later accused the Israeli military of providing an untrue account of the event. On a Sunday news program, Khanna asserted, “The [Israeli military] is lying.” He described armed settlers displaying rifles, kicking his van’s tires, and mocking his group, adding that Israeli soldiers participated in blocking their path.
Following Khanna’s allegations, Israel and its supporters launched counter-accusations. Michael Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the US, suggested Khanna failed to coordinate his visit with the Israeli government. Leiter also speculated, without providing evidence, that Khanna might have released his video of the incident to divert attention from a separate political controversy involving another politician.
Some pro-Israel politicians criticized Khanna, with Republican Congressman Greg Murphy suggesting it was a “publicity stunt.” However, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson defended Khanna, condemning the US ambassador to Israel for not speaking out.
Khanna has urged for accountability, calling for the arrest of the settlers involved. He has also asked fellow politicians to support efforts to ensure US citizens are not mistreated.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law. The International Court of Justice ruled in 2024 that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory, including settlements, violates global legal standards. Such settlements have been the site of numerous documented attacks by settlers, often accompanied by soldiers, against Palestinian communities and individuals.
These attacks have included American citizens. In the past year, two US citizens, Sayfollah Musallet and Khamis Ayyad, were reportedly killed in settler attacks without any suspects being charged. Despite these incidents, Israel was admitted to the US visa waiver program in 2023. Israel also remains the largest recipient of US military aid, receiving over $21 billion in the last two years alone.
