United States Congressman Ro Khanna reported being detained by armed Israeli settlers and later blocked by Israeli soldiers for over an hour in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday. The incident occurred as Khanna was traveling to a Palestinian village. The lawmaker stated that the ordeal only concluded after he contacted the U.S. embassy in Israel.

Rights advocates have decried the detention, while Israeli officials have initiated political attacks against the progressive congressman, ruling out apologies or accountability for the settlers involved. This response from Israeli officials and allies suggests a strategy to discredit Khanna rather than address the incident.

Khanna described the encounter, stating that armed settlers brandishing rifles stopped his van, kicked its tires, and mocked him and his companions. He asserted that the Israeli military subsequently joined the settlers in blocking the road, prolonging the detention. The congressman has called for the arrest of the settlers involved.

The Israeli military has offered a different account, claiming it "dispersed" civilians who were blocking the road. However, Khanna refuted this on Sunday, stating, "The [Israeli military] is lying." He characterized the event as unprecedented, involving violent settlers detaining American citizens, including a government official.

In response to the incident, Israel's ambassador to the U.S., Michael Leiter, appeared to place blame on Khanna, suggesting the congressman failed to coordinate his trip with the Israeli government. Leiter implied Khanna arranged his travel with "Palestinian activists and with J Street," a Jewish nonprofit. Leiter also suggested, without providing evidence, that Khanna might have delayed releasing a video of the incident to divert attention from his support for politician Graham Platner, who had recently withdrawn from a Senate race amid allegations.

Khanna has maintained that he did inform Israeli authorities of his travel plans and has not retracted his accusations against the settlers and the military's role. His stance indicates a refusal to back down amid the escalating political pressure.

The incident and subsequent reactions highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding U.S. officials' visits to the occupied West Bank and the complex political dynamics between the U.S., Israel, and Palestinian territories. It also underscores the challenges faced by international observers and officials when navigating areas with significant security and political sensitivities.

Further developments are anticipated as Khanna continues to speak out and as Israeli officials maintain their position. The incident raises questions about security protocols for visiting foreign dignitaries and accountability for actions by settlers and military forces in the occupied territories.