Netanyahu Condemns MK Tzvi Sukkot for Dismantling Terrorist Memorial Without Coordination

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a sharp statement condemning Knesset member Tzvi Sukkot for dismantling an Arab memorial to terrorists during a tour in the West Bank under IDF protection. The incident occurred in the village of Madama, south of Nablus, where Sukkot and his aides destroyed the "Martyrs' Memorial" without coordinating with the military. Earlier footage of the event circulated online, sparking widespread criticism from opposition, coalition members, and even within Sukkot's own party.

Netanyahu's office emphasized that the IDF is the sovereign authority in the West Bank, responsible for implementing government decisions, and that taking the law into one's own hands, especially by public officials, is unacceptable and disrupts the IDF's focus on counterterrorism and preventing incitement. According to the IDF spokesperson, on August 12, Sukkot requested to conduct a "memorial tour" in several villages in the Shomron Division, including Beita, Burin, and Madama, all located in Areas A and B.

The IDF provided security for Sukkot's tour but stated that forces were diverted from their regular duties to accompany him. The military accused Sukkot of failing to inform them about his intentions and described his conduct as "false and manipulative." The IDF also noted that the removal of the memorial was already planned to be carried out by military forces in the near future.