Yair Golan and Tzvi Sukkot Clash Over IDF Troop Movements Before October 7 Attack

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, publicly accused Tzvi Sukkot, a member of the Religious Zionism party, of causing the redeployment of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops from southern Israel to the West Bank prior to the deadly Hamas attack on October 7. Golan's criticism came after Sukkot dismantled a terrorist memorial, with Golan stating that Sukkot's actions led to the IDF shifting forces away from the south, contributing to the security failure. Golan further condemned Sukkot for allegedly breaking into IDF bases and inciting further conflict, asserting that such behavior warrants imprisonment rather than a seat in the Knesset.

In response, Sukkot demanded that Golan retract his claims within 30 minutes or face a defamation lawsuit. He firmly denied any responsibility for troop movements, stating that not a single soldier was transferred from the south to the West Bank because of him. Sukkot referenced a recent court ruling in Ramla, where retired Major General Dan Harel was ordered to pay him 35,000 shekels for defamation after Harel falsely claimed that troops were redirected to protect a Knesset member in Hawara before October 7.

This exchange highlights ongoing political tensions regarding accountability for the IDF's preparedness and response to the Hamas attack. The dispute also reflects broader conflicts within Israeli politics over security and military decisions leading up to the October 7 events. Legal action may follow if Golan does not retract his statements as demanded by Sukkot.