IDF Condemns MK Tzvi Sukkot for Unauthorized Destruction of Palestinian Militant Memorial

On Tuesday, Palestinian footage emerged showing Israeli Knesset member Tzvi Sukkot destroying the "Martyrs' Monument" in the village of Madama, south of Nablus. The monument commemorates Yaman Faraj, commander of the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), who was killed by the IDF on July 6, 2004. Faraj was responsible for orchestrating multiple suicide bombings across Israel that resulted in dozens of Israeli casualties. The monument also bears the names of other militants, including Faraj, a native of Madama.

According to the IDF spokesperson, on August 12, Sukkot requested to conduct a "monument tour" in several villages in the Samaria Division, located in Areas A and B, including Beita, Burin, and Madama. The tour took place on Tuesday morning with Sukkot, his aides, and IDF forces providing security, who were diverted from operational duties for this mission. The IDF stated that during the tour, participants deviated from the approved coordination and acted "fraudulently and manipulatively," exceeding their authority by beginning to demolish the monument in Madama.

Upon recognizing the unauthorized actions, the IDF forces reported to their commanders, who ordered the cessation of the destruction, and Sukkot and his group were removed from the village. The IDF emphasized that troops assigned to operational tasks were unnecessarily diverted to secure the tour amid ongoing operational pressures. The military condemned Sukkot's conduct as a serious misuse of security forces and a complete breach of authorized protocols.

While criticizing Sukkot, the IDF clarified that it itself carries out demolitions of inciting monuments and symbols but only with the required approvals and coordination with the Civil Administration. Such operations have been conducted multiple times in recent months, with another planned soon. The IDF described these actions as an important part of the fight against terrorism and incitement to terror.