🔨 SUKKOT MEMORIAL INCIDENT DRAWS IDF AND POLITICAL CONDEMNATION: Religious Zionism MK Zvi Sukkot and aides damaged a Palestinian “martyrs” memorial in Madama, south of Shechem, during an IDF-secured visit that had been authorized, although the demolition itself had not. The IDF said Sukkot violated the approved outline, forced soldiers to divert from operational missions and unnecessarily placed troops at risk before commanders stopped the activity and removed the group.
The military said it had already surveyed the monument and planned to demolish it through the authorized process in the coming weeks. According to Israel Hayom, it commemorated Yaman Tayeb Ali Faraj, a senior PFLP terrorist involved in directing attacks, including the December 2003 Geha Junction suicide bombing that killed four Israelis and wounded more than 20. Sukkot said he acted after repeated demands to remove monuments glorifying terrorists went unanswered.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said public officials cannot take the law into their own hands and stressed that the IDF is responsible for implementing political decisions in Judea and Samaria. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich also reprimanded Sukkot, while Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot accused him of interfering with security operations and endangering soldiers. Internal criticism also emerged within Religious Zionism, with faction chairman Ohad Tal questioning the political handling of the episode.
Yair Golan separately accused Sukkot of having caused troops to be transferred from southern Israel to Judea and Samaria before October 7 and of other confrontational actions. Sukkot denied the troop-transfer claim and threatened legal action; Golan subsequently deleted the post.
🛡️ CENTRAL COMMAND REVIEWS EXTREMIST VIOLENCE AND OFFENSIVE PLANS: A Central Command discussion attended by Netanyahu on Monday was convened only hours in advance. The command presented concerns about possible escalation resulting from violence by Jewish extremists, while Netanyahu requested details on continued offensive operations. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said those plans were prepared and rehearsed but that the short notice had prevented him from preparing a full briefing on the issue.
The Defense Ministry’s Crossings Authority also held a scheduled security exercise Tuesday at the Sha’ar Efraim Crossing, with simulated gunfire and explosions expected during the drill.
🔎 SHIN BET DEEPENS ASSISTANCE IN HAYMANOT KASAU SEARCH: President Isaac Herzog told the family of missing Haymanot Kasau that the Shin Bet is actively assisting police in the investigation and search. The agency confirmed that it is providing operational assistance following a recent police request and the required approvals, while Israel Police remains responsible for the investigation.
Haymanot disappeared from the Safed absorption center on February 25, 2024, at age nine. Despite extensive searches, authorities have not publicly identified a substantive lead. Her family believes she was kidnapped, but police have not established that publicly. The Shin Bet had already been authorized to assist in February 2026, meaning the latest development represents a deeper operational role rather than its first involvement. No terrorism or nationalist motive has been established.
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