Democratic Representative Ro Khanna stated he was briefly detained by Israeli settlers and the military during a visit to a West Bank village on Wednesday. The California congressman described the incident on social media, saying that while traveling near the hamlet of Khirbet Zanuta, settlers armed with American-made M4 rifles blocked their bus.

Khanna, who was visiting the occupied West Bank, told Reuters that the settlers initially blocked the road before summoning the military. In his social media post, he claimed that upon the arrival of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), they sided with the settlers and prolonged their detention. The IDF, however, stated that its forces did not block the road.

According to Khanna, the IDF eventually moved the vehicles that were obstructing the roadway after engaging with the Israeli civilians. He expressed strong disapproval of the IDF's actions, stating that they made a significant mistake and indicated further action would follow.

The IDF issued a statement acknowledging that it received reports on Wednesday concerning Israeli civilians unlawfully blocking vehicles carrying foreign nationals and members of the media. The military stated that upon receiving the report, IDF troops were dispatched, dispersed the civilians, and reopened the road.

The IDF clarified that soldiers operating in the area did not participate in blocking the road. The military also noted that the identity of the armed individual involved in the incident is currently under review. The incident occurred during Khanna's visit to the West Bank, which included stops in villages like Turmus Ayya.

This event highlights the complex security and political dynamics in the West Bank. International officials and lawmakers visiting the region often navigate sensitive situations involving Israeli settlers, Palestinian residents, and the Israeli military.

While Khanna asserted the IDF prolonged his detention by siding with settlers, the IDF's account suggests its role was to clear an obstruction created by civilians. The review into the identity of the armed individual involved indicates the IDF is investigating the specifics of the confrontation.

Further details are expected as the IDF completes its review. The congressman's strong reaction suggests potential follow-up actions or statements regarding the incident and Israeli security protocols in the West Bank.