Ro Khanna Says Armed Israeli Settlers Detained Him During West Bank Visit Amid 2028 White House Consideration

U.S. Representative Ro Khanna said he and his delegation were detained by armed Israeli settlers during a visit to the occupied West Bank, describing the incident as a firsthand look at the realities facing Palestinians as he weighs a potential 2028 presidential campaign.

Speaking to Reuters during a visit to a Palestinian village, the California Democrat said settlers carrying U.S.-made M4 rifles surrounded his group's vehicle while they were touring Khirbet Zanuta, an area that has experienced repeated settler violence. Khanna said the group had been inspecting a village and school that he claimed had been destroyed before settlers blocked the road and called the Israeli military.

Khanna alleged that Israeli forces sided with the settlers instead of assisting the American delegation. His aide, Cameron Kasky, said the group remained stranded for more than an hour and sought assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem before police officers eventually intervened, allowing them to continue their trip.

The Israeli military confirmed that troops and police responded to reports of settlers obstructing vehicles near Khirbet Zanuta. According to the military, security forces dispersed the settlers and cleared the road. Israel Police and the U.S. Embassy did not immediately comment.

Khanna's visit comes as debate over U.S. support for Israel intensifies within the Democratic Party. The congressman said he is "strongly considering" a presidential run and that the trip strengthened his resolve to explore a White House campaign.

His remarks followed a separate visit by former Obama White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who also criticized Israeli policies toward Palestinians, saying they risk weakening long-term U.S.-Israel relations.

Khanna argued that Democratic leaders underestimate how central the Israel-Gaza conflict has become for many voters. He said his itinerary focused exclusively on the West Bank and was organized by Palestinians to provide an unfiltered perspective.

The lawmaker also called for stronger advocacy of Palestinian rights, describing the war in Gaza and conditions in the West Bank in stark terms. Israel has consistently rejected accusations of genocide and apartheid, maintaining that its military operations comply with international law and that the West Bank remains disputed territory. Meanwhile, international bodies, including the United Nations, continue to regard Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as illegal under international law, a position Israel disputes.