Avishay Greenzeig Criticizes MK Tzvi Sukkot Over Controversial West Bank Memorial Incident

Journalist Avishay Greenzeig sharply condemned Knesset member Tzvi Sukkot following a controversy sparked by Sukkot's actions in the West Bank village of Madama. The incident involved Sukkot destroying a memorial dedicated to Yaman Faraj, a commander of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine's military wing, who was killed by the IDF after orchestrating suicide bombings in Israel. Greenzeig accused Sukkot of turning a non-controversial issue into a provocative one, describing his behavior as "stupid and harmful provocation" and likening his mentality to that of a seven-year-old child.

The IDF responded strongly, stating that the visit to Madama was pre-approved as a memorial tour but that participants deviated from the agreed plan by damaging the memorial. The military described the actions as manipulative, unauthorized, and contrary to the approved framework. The IDF also noted that operational forces were diverted to secure the tour, unnecessarily endangering soldiers. While criticizing Sukkot, the IDF emphasized that it regularly demolishes inciting memorials and symbols in coordination with the Civil Administration and proper approvals.

The controversy has drawn further criticism from public figures such as Michael Shemesh, who called the act a "childish provocation" and urged for a more sensible approach. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding memorials and symbols in the West Bank amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.