Nablus: Israeli lawmaker Tzvi Succot on Tuesday smashed a memorial bearing the names of Palestinians killed in the occupied West Bank village of Madama in the presence of Israeli soldiers, according to Israeli media. Succot, a member of the far-right Religious Zionism party, posted a photo on US social media company X showing himself using a large hammer to destroy the memorial in the village, south of Nablus.

According to Anadolu Agency, Succot stated that he had repeatedly called on the Israeli army in recent weeks to remove what he described as 'terror memorials' throughout the area, expressing hope that these actions would be carried out promptly. Video footage circulating on social media also showed Succot in the act of smashing the memorial while Israeli soldiers stood by.

Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Succot had sought permission over a month ago to visit Palestinian villages, a request that was granted several days before the incident. During his half-hour visit to Madama, Succot damaged the memorial, as the newspaper detailed.

The Israeli army claimed it had not been informed beforehand of the lawmaker's intention to destroy the monument, highlighting a lack of communication regarding Succot's specific plans during his visit.