Ro Khanna calls Netanyahu a liar, demands halt to US aid

US Congressman Ro Khanna has sharply criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of misleading the public and holding him responsible for the deaths of Palestinian children, while calling for restrictions on American assistance linked to Israeli settler activities in the occupied West Bank.

Khanna’s remarks followed a reported attack on Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine, who was allegedly assaulted by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The incident prompted renewed concerns about the safety of journalists covering violence and tensions in the occupied Palestinian territory.

In two separate posts on the social media platform X, Khanna highlighted the reported assault, alleging that the attackers picked Levine up, threw her to the ground and repeatedly kicked her.

The Democratic congressman condemned the incident and renewed his criticism of Israeli settler activity, arguing that the United States should not provide assistance that enables or supports such actions.

“Netanyahu is a liar, and he has blood on his hands for the Palestinian children,” Khanna said, in comments reflecting his growing criticism of the Israeli government’s conduct towards Palestinians.

He called on Washington to stop providing Israeli assistance that could be used to support settler activities and urged restrictions on arms sales linked to such operations.

Khanna’s comments come amid continuing debate in the United States over military assistance to Israel, particularly in light of civilian casualties in Palestinian territories and allegations of violence by Israeli settlers.

The congressman also referred to an incident in July when he said he had been detained alongside a New York Times photographer in Khirbet Zanuta, a community in the occupied West Bank. According to Khanna, Israeli settlers held them at the time.

He said Netanyahu had subsequently called him a liar over his account of the incident, a dispute that has further fuelled his criticism of the Israeli prime minister.

The West Bank has witnessed repeated reports of confrontations involving Palestinian residents, Israeli settlers and journalists documenting events on the ground. Attacks on media workers have raised concerns about press freedom and the ability of reporters to cover developments safely.

Khanna’s demand for restrictions on US assistance adds to calls from some American lawmakers for greater accountability over how military aid and weapons supplied to Israel are used.

The reported assault on Levine and Khanna’s subsequent statements have renewed attention on settler violence, the protection of journalists and Washington’s role in influencing Israeli government policies.