Israeli lawmaker smashes Palestinian memorial in occupied West Bank

On August 25, 2026, Israeli Knesset member Zvi Sukkot, a member of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party, was filmed using a sledgehammer to destroy the Palestinian Martyrs' Monument in the village of Madama, located south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank. The monument commemorated two Palestinians who had killed Israelis. In a video posted to Facebook, Sukkot expressed his belief that the memorial should not remain, stating, “We must take it down,” and added that he wanted it destroyed to prevent children in the village from being inspired to become “martyrs” themselves. Sukkot, who chairs the Knesset Education Committee, was reportedly accompanied by Israeli military forces during the incident. However, the Israeli army later stated that the demolition had not been authorized. Videos showed Israeli troops present at the scene while Sukkot attacked the monument. The military indicated that soldiers had intervened to stop the demolition, although it is unclear to what extent they were able to do so. The act of vandalism prompted widespread condemnation, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding memorials and symbols in the region. The incident reflects the contentious nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly regarding the narratives surrounding violence and martyrdom.