IDF Confirms Planned Demolition of Terrorist Memorial Destroyed by MK Zvi Sukkot

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) clarified on Tuesday that the memorial dismantled by Member of Knesset Zvi Sukkot in the West Bank village of Madama near Yitzhar was scheduled for demolition in the coming weeks. According to military sources, dozens of similar memorials honoring terrorists have already been removed throughout Judea and Samaria, and a legal, coordinated operation to demolish this particular monument was planned. Preliminary reconnaissance tours had been conducted by the Samaria Brigade in preparation for the demolition.

MK Sukkot responded that he acted after the army delayed removing the memorials commemorating terrorists in the villages of Madama and Burin. He emphasized that honoring individuals who harmed Israelis and IDF soldiers as heroes is unacceptable and risks indoctrinating the next generation in these communities with a legacy that glorifies murder. His initiative followed a report by "The Jewish Voice" exposing several villages where memorials for terrorists were erected and events held distributing sweets to local children around them.

Among those memorialized was Yaman Tayeb Ali Faraj, linked by the Supreme Court to sending a terrorist to the deadly Gha'ah Junction attack that killed four Israelis and wounded over 20. Another removed monument in Burin honored Hamdan Hussein Mahmoud al-Najar, who killed an Israeli and wounded soldiers in a 1988 attack before being killed.

The IDF criticized Sukkot’s unilateral action, stating that although the morning operation was initially approved, participants acted without authority and contrary to the agreed plan by destroying the memorial prematurely. The force was ordered to halt and withdraw. The military condemned the misuse of security coordination and noted that such demolitions are regularly conducted legally and in coordination with the Civil Administration. The IDF stressed that these operations are vital in the fight against terrorism and incitement.

Sukkot had previously urged the defense establishment to prevent public commemoration of terrorists under Israeli security jurisdiction, arguing that beyond physical removal, it is crucial to stop turning attackers into role models and legitimizing violence among youth. The incident highlights tensions between political actors and the military over handling memorials for terrorists in the West Bank amid ongoing security challenges.