US Congressman Ro Khanna has shared a chilling account of an alleged attack by Israeli settlers during a recent visit to the occupied West Bank, saying that he and members of his delegation survived the ordeal because they remained in constant communication with the US Embassy.
Khanna noted the tense moment when his delegation traveled to a Palestinian community. According to the California Democrat, the delegation was threatened with violence as Israeli settlers confronted them and this was a situation that needed immediate intervention.
Khanna said “We’re only alive because I was in touch with the U.S Embassy.” His statement has been widely covered, with increasing concerns on the security situation in the occupied West Bank amid increasing violence.
Rep Ro Khanna Accuses IDF of Siding with Hoodlums with M4's
Khanna claims "violent settlers" threatened lives — American embassy saved them. Demands arrests. pic.twitter.com/qZfMXOFOuF— Mr Producer (@RichSementa) July 13, 2026
The embassy officials closely monitored the delegation’s movements throughout the incident and cooperated to ensure that the delegation fled from the area safely, he said. And the embassy’s quick response and communication made sure the crisis was not as bad, he said.
Khanna had been going to the West Bank as part of a wider concern about the humanitarian and security needs of Palestine and Israel. He met local residents, community leaders and humanitarian workers on the road to see and experience the conflict and how it affects civilians.
Khanna said the delegation noticed great tension on the ground, including intimidation and violence in Palestinian communities. Peace in the region needs to be to protect civilians, respect human rights, and pursue diplomatic solutions and not violence, he said.
The incident is also at a time in which violence in the West Bank has intensified, with clashes between Israeli security forces, settlers and Palestinians going on. International organisations have expressed concern over rising attacks on civilians and the deterioration in humanitarian conditions in the region.
Khanna reiterated that the United States should continue to support Israel’s security and also speak out against attacks on innocent civilians, regardless of who commits them. Accountability and the protection of human rights must be at the heart of any lasting peace process, he said.
His comments have caused an uproar in Washington, where lawmakers are divided on US policy towards Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Some lawmakers have said aid to aid organizations and demands to stem violence against civilians are needed and others have argued that Israel’s security concerns are still more pressing.
The congressman's account has also reopened discussion on risks faced by foreign officials, aid workers, and journalists who work in conflict zones. Security experts say conditions in parts of the West Bank are very unstable and sudden outbreaks of violence pose serious challenges for visitors and local residents.
Khanna’s story is also another sign of a very unstable security environment in the occupied territories and that we need to act with diplomatic efforts to prevent violence and save lives.
