Congressman Ro Khanna says he was detained by Israeli settlers in the West Bank [View all]

Source: CBS News

July 11, 2026 / 9:19 AM EDT


Congressman Ro Khanna said he was detained by Israeli settlers for over an hour while visiting the West Bank. Khanna also said members of the Israel Defense Forces spoke with the settlers and moved a car to block the road. Khanna's experience was first reported by The New York Times. A spokesperson for the congressman confirmed the details of the Times' report to CBS News. The Times said a photojournalist from the publication also witnessed the interaction.

CBS News has reached out to the IDF for comment.

U.S. politicians from both sides of the aisle have visited the West Bank since the war in Gaza was sparked by a massive attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. House Speaker Mike Johnson visited the territory in September 2025 and dined with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Democrats Chris van Hollen and Jeff Merkley, of Maryland and Oregon, respectively, toured the region in August 2025.

Several nations that have supported Israel during the war in Gaza criticized the country after IDF troops fired what they called "warning shots" near a group of diplomats visiting the territory in May 2025. The delegation included representatives from the European Union, Japan and Russia. The IDF said the shots were fired after the group wandered off an approved route and entered a restricted area.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ro-khanna-israeli-settlers-west-bank/