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IDF debated providing Sukkot with security escort, soldiers felt trip was 'waste of time' - report

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The IDF debated providing security for MK Zvi Sukkot's tour of West Bank villages, initially citing a lack of forces.
  • Soldiers escorting Sukkot expressed frustration, feeling their time and resources were wasted on the tour, which they felt was predictable.
  • Following the incident where Sukkot smashed a memorial, a directive was issued to not approve MK tours during the election period due to concerns about operational preparedness.

The Israeli military debated providing a security escort for MK Zvi Sukkot's requested "memorial tour" in three West Bank villages, with the IDF initially stating it lacked the operational capacity. Sukkot threatened to proceed alone, prompting the IDF to eventually agree to provide a security detail of about 10 soldiers.

Soldiers assigned to Sukkot's protection expressed significant frustration, feeling their time and forces were wasted. They described the assignment as a "waste of time," stating they were working without sleep and conducting multiple operations. Some soldiers indicated that an incident like Sukkot smashing a memorial in Kafr Madama with hammers was expected, given the volatile situation.

We have to deal with things like this all the time; it was expected to happen. We are stuck here between Jewish terrorism and Palestinian terrorism.

— SoldiersDescribing their frustration and the predictable nature of incidents during MK Zvi Sukkot's tour, as cited by Army Radio.

Commanders overseeing the incident were reportedly shocked by Sukkot and his aides using hammers to destroy the memorial. However, soldiers on the ground felt the situation was predictable, describing themselves as "stuck here between Jewish terrorism and Palestinian terrorism." Following the event, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir was reportedly furious, leading to a directive to halt approval of MK tours during the election period to prevent compromising IDF operational preparedness for campaign purposes.

We felt that our time and forces were being wasted. The feeling is that this is not why we came to this sector.

— SoldierExpressing frustration over the assignment to protect MK Zvi Sukkot, as reported by Army Radio.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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