MK Tzvi Sukkot Faces Protests During Controversial School Tour in Umm al-Fahm

On June 28, 2026, MK Tzvi Sukkot visited Umm al-Fahm under heavy security, encountering strong opposition from the city’s leadership and residents. In protest, all schools in the city were closed and remained empty during his visit, which was officially part of the Knesset Education Committee’s oversight. Only Sukkot and MK Dr. Samir Ben Said (Ra'am), who arrived separately, participated in the tour.

Sukkot stated his purpose was to monitor educational content, accusing the city’s schools of allowing lectures by "designated terrorist organizations." He also revealed that Umm al-Fahm’s mayor, Dr. Samir Mahamid, explicitly asked him not to come, to which Sukkot responded, "I don’t work for him; maybe he has something to hide."

The tour began at Ein Jarar School, where Sukkot held an Israeli flag and a poster of Sheikh Raed Salah, former mayor and leader of the outlawed northern branch of the Islamic Movement. He criticized the absence of Israeli flags on school buildings and limited police access to citizenship classes, warning that continued practices could lead to withholding state funds. At Razzi Middle School, he hung an Israeli flag on the gate amid protests from local residents shouting "racist, go away."

During the visit, Yair (Yaia) Pink, founder of Lobby 99 and a Democratic Party primary candidate, confronted Sukkot loudly, accusing him of avoiding military service and promoting racism. Sukkot dismissed the accusations, but Pink continued to criticize his legislative actions and patriotism.

The visit sparked sharp political reactions. MK Ofer Cassif (Hadash-Ta’al) came to Umm al-Fahm in solidarity with residents, condemning Sukkot’s visit as provocative and vowing to defeat him politically and publicly. MK Naama Lazimi (Labor) also harshly criticized Sukkot, accusing him of incitement and praising the mayor, parents, and educators for standing firm against provocations. After completing the two stops, Sukkot and his delegation left the city amid heightened tensions.