Clashes broke out during MK Zvi Sukkot's (Religious Zionist Party) visit to the Bedouin city of Rahat in southern Israel on Sunday, as residents attempted to prevent the visit.
Sukkot, who also serves as chairman of the Knesset Education, Culture and Sports Committee, conducted the visit as part of the committee's initiative to observe Israel's educational institutions, the implementation of the committee's decisions, and the education system’s handling of violence, crime, and incitement.
Israeli media reported clashes between Sukkot and Rahat's deputy mayor and the closure of schools in the city.
Despite the protests, Sukkot's tour went ahead under increased supervision by the Knesset and the Israel Police.
“I will not accept Israel becoming a place where a member of Knesset or the chairman of a Knesset committee cannot enter an Israeli city to carry out his duties," Sukkot said. "Attempts at intimidation and violence will not deter me. The Education Committee will continue to visit every place where parliamentary oversight is needed, regardless of whether it is Right or Left, Jewish or Arab."
"Anyone who attempts to prevent scrutiny and oversight only strengthens the need to continue going into the field."
“Everything begins with education, and the fact that all the surrounding communities need to be enclosed by fences, while business owners in the South suffer from protection rackets, demonstrates the need for an organized response, including programs to combat violence and cooperation with law enforcement agencies," he added.
Umm el-Fahm schools close in protest of MK Zvi Sukkot visit
The incident follows a similar occurrence in late June, when all educational institutions in the Arab city of Umm el-Fahm held a strike in protest against Sukkot's visit to the city as part of the committee's oversight tour.
Locals defined it as "a clear and unacceptable provocation," and claimed that it was an attempt to exploit educational institutions for election propaganda and personal politics.
Sukkot claims that "declared terrorist organizations" are entering to lecture in schools in the city.
Sukkot held an Israeli flag in one hand and a poster of Raed Salah - the former mayor of Umm el-Fahm and leader of the banned northern branch of the Islamic Movement - in the other.
The claims that the city's educational institutions teach violence constitute "false and inconceivable accusations," the committees said.
According to them, the decision to keep the schools closed was intended to prevent friction, safeguard the security of the students and education staff, and protect the system from incitement.
Yoav Etiel contributed to this report.