In brief
Zvi Sukkot, a far‑right MP, used a sledgehammer to demolish a stone memorial in the Palestinian village of Madama, West Bank, during a military‑escorted visit. Video footage—trending on social media—shows the MP striking the monument with a thrusting motion, prompting immediate condemnation from both Palestinian officials and Israeli leaders. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) described the action as impromptu and unauthorized, and soldiers later escorted Sukkot out of the village. Political leaders such as Prime Minister Netanyahu and opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot criticised the act; finance minister Bezalel Smotrich opposed blanket condemnation. Senior military commander Avi Bluth warned that such settler violence could trigger wider regional escalation.
In a shocking event that unfolded in the occupied West Bank, far‑right member of parliament Zvi Sukkot used a sledgehammer to demolish a stone memorial in the Palestinian village of Madama.
Video footage shows Sukkot, accompanied by several others, striking the plaque—a monument erected in 2008 to honour Palestinians killed during the 1968 Battle of Karameh and later intifadas— with a brutal hammer blow. The scene quickly spread online, drawing widespread condemnation from Palestinian officials and Israeli politicians alike.
Madama village council head Rami Nasar explained that the memorial was intended to honour those lost in conflict, regardless of their political affiliation. Sukkot, who has a history of provocative anti‑Palestinian acts, justified the attack by claiming that “any place that glorifies terrorism must be removed.”
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) stated that soldiers had been present but did not intervene during the incident. IDF spokespersons said the operation was “conducted without authorization” and that soldiers eventually escorted Sukkot and his group out of the area after notifying commanders.
The incident has added to frictions in the West Bank, where settler attacks on Palestinians have escalated recently. Madama itself has faced several prior settler‑led assaults.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement condemning Sukkot’s actions, declaring that taking the law into one’s own hands “prevents the IDF from focusing on missions of combating terrorism.”
Rival political figure Gadi Eisenkot described the act as “a disgrace for anyone who claims to represent the public and is a leader.” He also criticized Netanyahu for allowing “anarchists like Zvi Sukkot to do whatever they please.”
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich defended the MP, arguing that left‑wing opposition focus on condemning Sukkot rather than addressing broader terrorism was misguided.
In a closed‑door meeting, senior military commander Major General Avi Bluth reportedly warned Netanyahu that mounting settler violence could spark a major escalation. The incident underscores the growing volatility in the region and the urgent need for measured responses from all parties involved.
