MK Tzvi Sukkot Destroys Palestinian Memorial Under IDF Guard in West Bank Village

On Tuesday, Israeli Member of Knesset Tzvi Sukkot was recorded demolishing a memorial in the Palestinian village of Madama in the West Bank. The memorials reportedly commemorate terrorists, with events held there honoring individuals involved in attacks against Israelis, including Yaman Tayeb Ali Faraj, linked by the Israeli Supreme Court to a terror attack at Geha Junction. In the footage, Sukkot is seen exiting a vehicle holding a hammer and striking the monument, while accompanied by another person who also hits the memorial. The scene was secured by IDF soldiers who blocked the street and provided security.

Sukkot stated he had previously requested the Israeli military to remove such memorials in Madama and Burin, but since they remained, he took direct action. He emphasized that honoring those who harmed Israelis as heroes is unacceptable and risks indoctrinating the next generation in the West Bank with a legacy of violence. The IDF confirmed that it had authorized Sukkot and his aides to tour memorials in several West Bank villages on August 12, but condemned their unauthorized destruction of the monument in Madama, ordering the action stopped and removing the individuals from the village. The military criticized Sukkot for exploiting security forces for unauthorized acts and noted that the IDF regularly removes inciting memorials with proper coordination.

Political leaders sharply condemned Sukkot's actions. Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yisrael party, called it a disgrace and accused Sukkot of misleading the IDF and damaging Israel's security and reputation. Democratic Party leader MK Yair Golan said Sukkot should be imprisoned rather than serving in the Knesset, accusing him of provoking further conflict. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized Sukkot for acting outside the authority of the state and security forces, stressing that decisions in the West Bank must be made by official bodies alone.

This incident follows a recent tense visit by Sukkot to the city of Rahat, where he faced protests and hostility from residents while conducting an official educational oversight tour. Despite opposition, the visit proceeded under heavy police and Knesset guard presence. The IDF stated it plans further coordinated operations to remove inciting memorials as part of its ongoing counterterrorism efforts.