Politics

Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna Detained By Israeli Settlers In West Bank

Politics desk
NRI HeraldJuly 11, 2026
3 min read
Congressman Ro Khanna speaks with Israeli settlers in the West Bank.

Khanna's group was traveling in a van near Khirbet Zanuta, a Palestinian hamlet in the southern West Bank, when a group of young settlers blocked the road and surrounded the vehicle. The congressman and his delegation were held for a short time before being released.

The incident occurred during a fact-finding visit to the region, part of a broader tour of the area. Khanna, a Democrat from California, has been a vocal critic of Israeli settlement expansion and has advocated for a two-state solution.

A spokesperson for Khanna confirmed the detention but did not provide further details. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Khirbet Zanuta is one of several Palestinian communities in the West Bank that have faced increasing settler violence and displacement threats. The area is under Israeli military control, and settlers often require military escort to enter.

Khanna's delegation was reportedly unharmed and continued their itinerary after the incident. The congressman has not yet issued a public statement.

Politics desk · July 11, 2026
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