25.08.2026 17:11
Footage of Israel's far-right lawmaker Zvi Sukkot smashing a monument belonging to Palestinians in the occupied West Bank with a sledgehammer has sparked widespread outrage. During the incident, which took place under the protection of Israeli soldiers, Sukkot claimed the monument 'glorified terrorism,' while the Israeli military stated that the lawmaker had used the security assistance provided to him beyond his authority.
Israeli far-right lawmaker Zvi Sukkot smashed a monument belonging to Palestinians in the occupied West Bank with a sledgehammer. Israeli soldiers accompanied Sukkot and those with him during the incident in the village of Madama, south of Nablus. Footage of the event spread on social media.
ATTACKED MONUMENT UNDER SOLDIERS' PROTECTION
In the footage, Sukkot, a lawmaker from the Religious Zionism Party, and those with him are seen striking with sledgehammers a monument erected by Palestinians for those who lost their lives. Israeli soldiers in the area were seen standing beside the group, and a military vehicle was seen blocking the road.
CLAIMED IT WAS A "TERROR MONUMENT"
In a statement after the incident, Sukkot alleged that the monument glorified individuals who killed Jews. Stating that he had previously called on the Israeli army to remove "terror monuments" in the area, Sukkot defended his action as an intervention against these calls being left unanswered.
ISRAELI ARMY: DONE BEYOND OUR AUTHORITY
The Israeli army, on the other hand, stated that Sukkot and those with him deviated from the framework of the pre-approved visit. The army reported that after soldiers noticed the monument being smashed, they informed their commanders and ordered the group to be removed from the village.
The statement noted that Sukkot used his security detail beyond his authority and that soldiers on operational duties were redirected for this purpose.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticized the incident. The statement said that it is unacceptable for public officials to take it upon themselves to enforce the law, adding that this hinders the army's focus on its counter-terrorism missions.