Full Breakdown
Far-right MK Zvi Sukkot’s demolition of a Palestinian monument in Madama and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)’s response
8/28/2026, 8:53:55 PM
The incident
In August 2026, Religious Zionist Party MK Zvi Sukkot entered the West Bank village of Madama (near Nablus) with IDF troops diverted from operational duties. While soldiers stood nearby, Sukkot and aides used a sledgehammer to damage a stone monument listing Palestinians killed in the intifada, including members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Soldiers reported the act to their commanders, who ordered the group out of the village.
Official statements & responses
- “The IDF is the sovereign in Judea and Samaria and is responsible for implementing the decisions of the political echelon. Taking the law into one’s own hands, especially by public officials, is wrong and interferes with the IDF’s ability to focus on its missions against terrorism and incitement,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister
- The IDF said it demolishes symbols of incitement only after proper approvals and that diverting troops placed soldiers at “unnecessary risk” while the army operates under “significant operational strain.” The military currently has 24 battalions deployed in the West Bank.
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich defended the removal, arguing that “the State of Israel should have dismantled long ago the terror monument glorifying the despicable terrorist responsible for the murder of four Jews and the wounding of 20 innocent Israelis.”
- Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reiterated that monument-removal decisions must be made by the state and carried out by the IDF alone, rejecting Sukkot’s claim that the foreign minister was responsible for any diplomatic fallout.
Political criticism & opposition
- Hadash-Ta’al MK Ofer Cassif described the soldiers’ conduct as “verbally and physically attacking” him while he tried to reach families in the besieged village of Kusra, warning that the treatment of a Knesset member foreshadows the daily experience of Palestinians. “If this is how the occupation forces treat a serving member of Knesset, one can only imagine what Palestinians experience every day,” — Ofer Cassif
Data & statistics
- The IDF reports 24 battalions are active in the West Bank, many also protecting Israeli settlements.
- The defense budget has risen to NIS 160 billion per year, roughly double the pre-October 7 level.
Background & context
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has warned that Jewish extremist violence has “run out of control,” prompting a temporary expansion of forces in the West Bank to more than double the pre-October 7 strength of around 11 battalions. Over 800 nationalist incidents have been recorded this year, with 90-100 classified as serious, straining the army’s capacity to maintain security on multiple fronts.
Conflicting reports & gaps
Sources differ on whether the Madama tour was formally authorized. The IDF statement asserts the tour received approval but that participants exceeded the authorized scope. Other accounts claim the IDF initially refused Sukkot’s request, relenting only after he threatened to proceed without an escort, suggesting the authorization was retroactive or limited. The precise chain-of-command decisions remain unclear.
