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

On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Khanna’s tour group was traveling in a van near Khirbet Zanuta, a small Palestinian hamlet in the southern West Bank. A group of young settlers blocked the road and surrounded their vehicle.

The settlers prevented the van from moving, leading to Khanna’s detention by the group. No further details about the duration of the detention or immediate responses from local authorities or Khanna’s team were provided in available reports.

The incident occurred in an area known for tensions between settlers and Palestinian residents, though specific motivations or prior conflicts were not mentioned in the accounts. The location, Khirbet Zanuta, is part of a region where Israeli settlement expansion has historically drawn international attention.

Khanna, a U.S. representative for California, has previously advocated for Palestinian rights and criticized Israeli policies in the West Bank. This event adds to his public record of engaging with regional conflicts.