US congressman says ‘IDF is lying’ about his detention by settlers and soldiers

What Happened

On Sunday, US Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) accused the Israeli government and the IDF of lying about an incident on Wednesday in the South Hebron hills near Zanuta, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Khanna posted video evidence showing armed settlers and Israeli soldiers blocking his convoy's path. Khanna said settlers with M4 rifles detained his delegation for about 20 minutes, kicking the van's tires and mocking them; then four IDF soldiers arrived and, according to Khanna, told the translator they sided with the settlers and continued the detention. The IDF had claimed soldiers 'quickly dispersed' the civilians. Khanna demanded that Prime Minister Netanyahu open investigations into the settlers—linking them to Yinon Levi, who was recorded killing a Palestinian activist—and into the four IDF officers. Netanyahu dismissed the settlers as 'juvenile delinquents.' Israel's ambassador to the US, Michael Leiter, accused Khanna of staging a political stunt to distract from domestic controversies and advance a presidential run. Breaking the Silence director Nadav Weiman, who accompanied Khanna, corroborated that soldiers joined the settlers in detaining the group for over an hour.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The episode intensifies scrutiny of Israeli settler violence in the West Bank and the IDF's complicity, at a time when international pressure—including from the US—is growing over settlement expansion and alleged ethnic cleansing. Khanna's high-profile clash with Israeli officials could influence Democratic Party dynamics and US-Israel relations, particularly amid ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations and hostage diplomacy. The incident also highlights the credibility of Israeli military and government narratives versus video evidence and eyewitness accounts from human rights groups.

Watch For

Whether Israel opens the investigations demanded by Khanna; any US government response or diplomatic demarche; potential fallout in Congress, including hearings or condemnations; further releases of video or testimony from the delegation; and any escalation in settler violence or military operations in the South Hebron hills area, particularly around Zanuta.