The Israel Defense Forces deliberated over providing a security detail for MK Zvi Sukkot after he requested to conduct a “memorial tour” across three West Bank villages, KAN News reported Tuesday evening.
Army Radio reported Wednesday morning that the IDF initially declined the request weeks prior, citing a lack of operational capacity and available forces, as an escort would have required diverting troops from the Kusra area.
Sukkot threatened to proceed with the tour independently, but relented once the IDF agreed to provide security once the situation in Kusra stabilized.
The military ultimately dispatched a security detail of approximately ten soldiers, led by a junior officer, for the visit scheduled for Tuesday morning.
Soldiers Express Frustration, Call Assignment a ‘Waste of Time’
According to Army Radio, soldiers assigned to Sukkot’s protection detail expressed frustration over the assignment.
“It was obvious there would be a mess there. We felt our time and resources were being wasted. The feeling is that this is not why we came to this sector,” a soldier told Army Radio.
The soldiers explained they had been operating without sleep and conducting multiple missions, viewing the Sukkot trip as a misuse of their time.
While commanders overseeing the detail said they were shocked when Sukkot and his aides produced hammers from their vehicle, several soldiers indicated such an incident was anticipated.
“We deal with things like this all the time; it was expected to happen. We are stuck here between Jewish terrorism and Palestinian terrorism,” the soldiers said, according to Army Radio.
Following the incident, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir was reportedly furious with the lawmaker’s conduct, sources close to him told KAN. Consequently, a directive was issued barring the approval of tours by MKs during the election period over concerns that operational readiness would be compromised for political campaigning.
Army Radio reported that the IDF had already slated the memorial’s demolition for September, irrespective of Sukkot’s actions.
Smotrich Coordinated Condemnation Statement with Sukkot
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also condemned the incident following a conversation with Sukkot, KAN reported. Smotrich contacted Sukkot, requested updates on any future plans, and subsequently coordinated the public condemnation statement released to the media.
“We will advance settlement through the proper channels. These are days when things can be done with authorization and authority,” Smotrich stated, per KAN.
Sukkot Dismisses Claims of International Reputational Damage
Speaking to Kol Barama on Wednesday morning, Sukkot dismissed claims that his actions would cause international harm as unfounded.
Sukkot claimed the only foreign nations condemning his actions were Turkey and Iraq, asserting that all other criticism originated domestically.
“Nothing has caused less damage than this. The condemnations by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and the IDF Spokesperson caused the damage; everyone is quoting them. I have nothing to regret,” Sukkot said.
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