The IDF debated whether to send a security force for MK Zvi Sukkot when he requested to conduct a "memorial tour" in three West Bank villages, KAN News reported Tuesday evening.
The IDF initially told Sukkot weeks ago that it did not have the operational capacity or available forces for the mission, as an escort would mean diverting forces from the Kusra area, Army Radio reported Wednesday morning.
Sukkot threatened to carry out the tour on his own, compromising once the IDF agreed to arrange security after events in Kusra calmed down.
The IDF ultimately decided to send a security force consisting of around 10 soldiers under the command of a junior officer for a visit scheduled for Tuesday morning.
Citing the soldiers, KAN reported that the IDF did not expect Sukkot and those accompanying him to exit his car with hammers and smash the memorial in Kafr Madama. The soldiers had met with Sukkot before entering the village and, due to his position as an MK, did not believe it necessary to search his car.
Soldiers frustrated, felt time wasted on Sukkot's visit
Army Radio reported that soldiers who were assigned to Sukkot's protection detail were frustrated with the assignment.
"It was obvious that there would be a mess there. We felt that our time and forces were being wasted. The feeling is that this is not why we came to this sector," Army Radio cited a soldier as saying.
Soldiers explained to Army Radio that they had been working without sleep, conducting multiple operations, and felt that the Sukkot trip was a waste of time.
While commanders who oversaw the incident said they were shocked that Sukkot and his aides pulled hammers out of his vehicle, some soldiers said that an incident like this was expected.
"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,” the soldiers said, according to Army Radio.
Following the incident, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir was furious with the MK's behavior, sources close to him told KAN. A directive was issued not to approve tours by MKs during the election period, as concerns were raised that IDF operational preparedness would be sacrificed for campaign purposes.
The IDF had already scheduled the demolition of the memorial that Sukkot had attacked for September, according to Army Radio, regardless of Sukkot's involvement.
Smotrich coordinated condemnation statement with Sukkot
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also condemned the incident after speaking with Sukkot about it, KAN reported. Smotrich called Sukkot, asked him to update him on future plans, and then coordinated the public condemnation statement sent to the media, according to the report.
“We will advance settlement through the proper channels. These are days when things can be done with authorization and authority,” Smotrich said, according to KAN.
Sukkot rejects claims of international damage to Israel's reputation
Sukkot said claims that his actions would cause international damage were unfounded while speaking to Kol Barama Wednesday morning.
According to Sukkot, the only countries that condemned his actions were Turkey and Iraq, and all other criticism was from Israel.
"Nothing has caused less damage than this thing. The condemnation by [Foreign Minister] Gideon Sa'ar and the IDF spokesperson, they caused damage; everywhere they're quoting them. I have nothing to regret," Sukkot said.