Israeli Settlers Detain US Rep. Ro Khanna in West Bank

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) was detained by Israeli settlers while visiting the occupied West Bank on July 8, 2026. The incident occurred near the Palestinian village of Khirbet Zanuta, which Khanna said had been destroyed by settlers, including a school. Armed settlers brandishing American-made M4 rifles surrounded Khanna and his tour group, blocking the road. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) arrived and, according to Khanna, sided with the settlers, continuing the detention. Cameron Kasky, an aide, said the group was held for over an hour before police intervened. The IDF claimed troops and police dispersed the settlers. Separately, CNN reported that four settlers attacked journalists, including CNN crew, north of Ramallah on July 11, smashing vehicles with clubs and rods; Israeli police arrested four suspects. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed claims of settler violence as exaggerated, calling perpetrators "juvenile delinquents." The detentions come as the U.S. Congress considers the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes the U.S.-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative granting Israel special access to U.S. military technology, and the 2027 Intelligence Authorization Act expanding intelligence sharing with Israel.