The public dispute that erupted following Knesset member Tzvi Succot’s visit to the village of Madma and the demolition of memorials erected there in honor of terrorists has drawn a response from soldiers who were present at the event.
A message sent by a soldier serving in the platoon that provided security for the MK’s tour to his parents, and obtained by Arutz Sheva - Israel National News, offers the soldiers’ perspective in response to criticism of the incident from political and media figures.
The soldier addressed criticism directed at Succot and the public debate that followed the incident, saying that the move had received support among members of his platoon. “It’s unbelievable audacity for Bennett to speak on our behalf," the soldier wrote. He added that the soldiers “were very happy that Succot smashed the memorial, although they would have preferred to do it themselves."
The soldier also expressed frustration with the way political figures have portrayed the forces’ activities at the site, saying that the soldiers “are now upset that Bennett is giving them a nasty media spin."
The soldier described the circumstances from his perspective. “This is a village that we enter regularly. The tour took place exactly according to the coordinated schedule. There was no danger to the forces, and not even a stone was thrown. Everything is lies from Bennett, in order to gather votes at the expense of the soldiers."