Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna has accused armed Israeli settlers and Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers of detaining him and other American citizens in the West Bank for approximately 75 minutes, calling the episode unprecedented and demanding a formal investigation. Khanna, a California Democrat representing a Silicon Valley-area district, made the allegations in an interview with NBC News following a three-day visit to the occupied territory.

What Happened During the Detention

According to Khanna, settlers carrying M4 rifles stopped his delegation's vehicle during the visit. He described the settlers as kicking the tyres of their van, mocking the group, and videotaping them. 'They had violent settlers detain American citizens, including an American government official,' Khanna said. 'You had these settlers brandishing M4s, kicking the tyres of our van, laughing at us, mocking at us, videotaping us.'

The delegation was held for roughly 20 minutes before four IDF soldiers arrived at the scene. Khanna alleged that rather than clearing the road, the soldiers sided with the settlers and continued to block the group. 'Then the IDF comes — four soldiers — they tell our translator that they're on the side of the settlers. They further detain us and block us in,' he said.

US Embassy Intervention

The delegation contacted the US Embassy, and an official identified as David Brownstein intervened, reaching out to Israeli authorities. The group was ultimately permitted to proceed approximately 75 minutes after the episode began. Khanna said the delegation feared for its safety throughout the ordeal. 'We were detained for about 20 minutes, fearful of our lives,' he added.

IDF Disputes Khanna's Account

The IDF issued a statement, cited during the NBC News interview, directly contradicting Khanna's version of events. 'IDF troops were dispatched to the scene quickly, dispersed the Israeli civilians, and reopened the blocked road. The IDF soldiers operating in the area did not take part in blocking the road,' the statement read. Khanna flatly rejected the military's account. 'The IDF is lying,' he said. 'What happened was unprecedented.'

Khanna's Demands and Allegations

The Congressman called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order an investigation into both the settlers involved and the four IDF soldiers. He argued that security camera footage could corroborate his account. 'The Prime Minister needs to open an investigation on these violent settlers. They need to be prosecuted,' Khanna said.

Khanna also linked those involved to an individual named Yanon Levy, whom he accused of destroying a Palestinian village and killing Palestinians. No response from Levy to those specific allegations was included in the interview material. Khanna has served in the US House of Representatives since 2017 and sits on the House Armed Services Committee. He has consistently advocated for a US foreign policy that prioritises diplomacy and human rights.

The incident adds to growing scrutiny of settler violence in the West Bank, a flashpoint that has drawn repeated international concern. Whether the Netanyahu government responds to Khanna's call for an investigation remains to be seen.