Netanyahu Condemns MK Zvi Sukkot for Taking Law into Own Hands in West Bank

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the controversy surrounding Religious Zionism MK Zvi Sukkot's actions in the West Bank, emphasizing that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are the sole authority authorized to operate in the region according to government decisions. Netanyahu stated, "The IDF is the sovereign in Judea and Samaria and is responsible for implementing decisions of the political echelon." He criticized public figures for "taking the law into their own hands," calling it improper and disruptive to the IDF's focus on combating terrorism and incitement.

The remarks came amid uproar over Sukkot dismantling a monument in the West Bank that right-wing sources claim commemorates a terrorist responsible for killing four Jews and injuring 20 Israelis. Netanyahu reiterated that operational authority in such cases rests exclusively with the IDF, not elected officials or private individuals.

Religious Zionism leader and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also commented, directing his criticism primarily at opposition leaders. Smotrich argued that Israel should have long ago removed what he termed "terror monuments" across Judea and Samaria, but insisted that such removals must be carried out solely by the IDF. He condemned opposition figures for rushing to denounce Sukkot instead of focusing on the terrorism issue itself. Smotrich framed the incident as part of a broader struggle over security policy and settlement activity in the West Bank.