Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) claims he and his delegation were detained by armed Israeli settlers in the West Bank on July 8, while U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee disputes the account, asserting Khanna entered a restricted zone without coordination. The incident has sparked a public disagreement over the facts and intent behind the visit.
Core Facts and Immediate Action
Khanna alleges that Israeli settlers, armed with M4 rifles, detained him and his group for 75 minutes near Khirbet Zanuta, an abandoned Palestinian village. He claims Israeli soldiers sided with the settlers and that his team contacted the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Huckabee, however, says Khanna did not inform the embassy or Israeli authorities in advance and entered a restricted military zone without clearance.
Deeper Dive and Context
Khanna’s Account
Khanna described the incident in an interview with the New York Times, stating that Israeli soldiers arrived but did not intervene to release his group. He later clarified that Deputy Chief of Mission David Brownstein helped secure their release. Khanna has called for the prosecution of the settlers and an investigation into the IDF’s role.
Huckabee’s Response
Huckabee rejected Khanna’s claims on social media, stating the embassy was not notified of the visit. He compared the restricted zone to a U.S. military base, emphasizing that prior coordination is required. Huckabee also suggested the incident was staged, noting that Khanna did not identify himself as a congressman until later in the encounter.
Political and Strategic Context
Critics have questioned the timing and purpose of Khanna’s trip, suggesting it was a campaign stunt ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run. Khanna’s staff clarified the trip was privately funded and Palestinian-led, focusing on showcasing the conflict from a pro-Palestinian perspective. Some observers note that Khanna declined invitations to meet with Israeli hostages and survivors of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
Ongoing Dispute
Khanna has accused the IDF of lying about the incident, while Huckabee maintains the embassy was unaware of the visit. Israeli media reports have confirmed the area was not a restricted zone, but the dispute over prior notification and the nature of the encounter remains unresolved.