Israeli Politicians Condemn MK Tzvi Sukkot for Unauthorized Demolition of West Bank Memorial

A political storm erupted after footage showed Israeli MK Tzvi Sukkot demolishing a memorial in the Palestinian village of Ma'adama, south of Nablus, during an unauthorized operation. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the demolition was not coordinated with them and that Sukkot acted without authority. Sukkot defended his actions, claiming he had requested the IDF to remove the memorials, which he said honored terrorists, and when they were not removed, he took matters into his own hands. He emphasized he would not allow those who harmed Jews and IDF soldiers to be commemorated as heroes.

The incident drew sharp criticism from politicians across the political spectrum, including members of the coalition. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett condemned Sukkot and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, accusing them of harming Israel's security and international standing for political gain on social media. Bennett accused them of abandoning IDF soldiers and endangering their lives for election videos, and said Prime Minister Netanyahu is powerless due to his reliance on extremist parties.

Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot also harshly criticized Sukkot, calling his behavior shameful and damaging to Israel’s security and reputation. Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of dismantling the security and governance system in the West Bank, enabling anarchic actions by figures like Sukkot. Opposition MK Gilad Kariv highlighted the misuse of security forces to accompany Sukkot while denying similar protection for parliamentary oversight visits.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stressed that Sukkot is not sovereign in the West Bank and that decisions must be made by the state and security forces. Former IDF Deputy Chief Yair Golan said Sukkot belongs behind bars, not in the Knesset, prompting Sukkot to threaten a defamation lawsuit. The IDF confirmed that those involved acted without authorization and diverted security forces from operational duties.

The controversy underscores tensions within Israel’s government and military over unauthorized actions in the West Bank and the politicization of security issues.