Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his government’s handling of law enforcement in the West Bank after Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) accused Israeli settlers and IDF soldiers of unlawfully detaining American citizens during a visit to the region.
Netanyahu Rejects Settler Vigilante Claims
On Sunday, Netanyahu pushed back against accusations that Israel allows vigilante actions in the West Bank, saying authorities investigate and prosecute those who break the law.
“We’re a country of laws and people who break the law, we take them to court,” Netanyahu said during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
He said the West Bank has faced repeated attacks against Israelis and argued that most Israeli settlers are law-abiding citizens.
“There are 150 juvenile delinquents that are not part of that community,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel does not support vigilante behavior and works to enforce the law.
Khanna Demands Probe Into West Bank Incident
Khanna criticized Netanyahu’s response in a post on X, saying the Israeli prime minister was asked about “my illegal detainment with other Americans by violent settlers aided by 4 IDF soldiers.”
He said, “I called for arresting Yinon Levy, the settlers, and an investigation of the soldiers.”
Khanna questioned, “Will Israel show any respect for American passport holders?”
During the interview, Khanna said the group was confronted by armed settlers while visiting the West Bank.
He alleged the settlers were carrying M4 rifles, kicked the tires of their van, mocked the group and recorded the encounter.
He alleged that four IDF soldiers who arrived at the scene sided with the settlers rather than protecting the Americans.
“The IDF is lying. What happened was unprecedented,” Khanna said. “They had violent settlers detain American citizens, including an American government official.”
Khanna said, “The prime minister needs to open an investigation on these violent settlers who are connected to Yinon Levy.”
He added, “And he needs to have an investigation on these four IDF officers.”
Khanna Detained In Settler Dispute
On Saturday, Khanna alleged that Israeli settlers had detained him and other Americans in the West Bank, claiming IDF soldiers sided with the settlers.
The incident occurred near Khirbet Zanuta after Khanna’s team contacted the U.S. Embassy.
Eyewitness Nadav Weiman said armed settlers and later Israeli soldiers detained the delegation for more than an hour, disputing the IDF’s version of events.
The IDF said troops dispersed Israeli civilians and allowed the group to proceed.
Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) criticized Khanna’s visit and Khanna called for accountability against those accused of threatening American citizens.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy: noamgalai on Shutterstock.com
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