MK Tzvi Sukkot Faces Protests During Unannounced School Visit in Rahat

On Sunday morning, MK Tzvi Sukkot from the Religious Zionism party visited schools in Rahat to inspect the curriculum against violence as part of his role on the Knesset Education Committee. The visit took place during the summer break and was met with strong opposition from local residents who shouted insults such as "You don’t have a high school diploma" and "Go away," while also calling him a "goat thief." Several local politicians joined the protests, and the word "racist" was written on Sukkot’s car by cleaning off dust. The schools remained closed during the visit.

Dr. Ali Elhouzail, a member of Rahat’s municipal education committee, criticized the visit for lacking coordination and described it as election propaganda aimed at the Jewish public. He expressed willingness to reduce tensions and requested future visits be arranged in advance. Sukkot responded after leaving Rahat, stating he would not allow intimidation to prevent him from performing his parliamentary duties and emphasized the importance of education oversight across all communities, Jewish and Arab alike.

Sukkot highlighted the need for comprehensive anti-violence programs and cooperation with law enforcement, citing security issues in surrounding towns. He pledged to continue the Education Committee’s supervisory tours nationwide despite threats or disturbances. Previously, Sukkot’s visits to schools in Umm al-Fahm, Beit Safafa, Beit Hanina, and Tuba-Zangariyye also sparked protests and police presence, with accusations of political provocation.

This incident reflects ongoing tensions surrounding political oversight in Arab communities and the challenges faced by Israeli lawmakers conducting unannounced inspections in sensitive areas.