Zvi Sukkot, a Religious Zionist Party MK and chair of the Knesset Education Committee, received a private Facebook death threat from a 25-year-old Hamas operative after visiting Arab schools in east Jerusalem. The messages included photos of a handgun and ammunition and a direct threat to kill him. Authorities raised his threat level to Level 4, increased his security detail, and have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
MK Zvi Sukkot Receives Death Threat From East Jerusalem Hamas Operative; Security Elevated to Level 4
Knesset Education Committee chair MK Zvi Sukkot visits Umm el-Fahm, June 28, 2026. (photo credit: VIA WALLA)
Member of Knesset Zvi Sukkot (Religious Zionist Party) received a private Facebook death threat from a 25-year-old Hamas operative in east Jerusalem after he visited Arab schools in the area. The message included photographs of a handgun and ammunition and prompted security officials to upgrade his protection.
Threat Details and Immediate Response
Tarzan Hammad, 25, is accused of sending Sukkot images of a firearm and ammunition along with the message:
"I always have a weapon, I travel without security checks, I will kill you when I see you."
Following a security assessment, the Knesset and Israel Police raised Sukkot's threat level to Level 4, increased his personal protection, and tightened protective measures around him. The messages were referred to police and security services for investigation.
Threatening message sent to MK Zvi Sukkot in July 2026. (credit: SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT)
Context and Reactions
Sukkot, who chairs the Knesset Education Committee, said he received multiple hostile messages after touring Arab schools in east Jerusalem. He confirmed some messages included images of a handgun and said the threats would not deter his oversight work.
"If anyone thinks I will stop overseeing what is happening in the sector because of threats, they are seriously mistaken," Sukkot said. People close to him described the communications as a marked escalation in the severity of threats and said security services were treating the matter with gravity.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are investigating the origin of the Facebook messages and working to identify and apprehend those responsible. Security officials emphasized they are monitoring the situation closely and have expanded protective measures while the probe continues.
Note: Security and investigative steps remain ongoing as officials seek to verify the full circumstances and any broader network behind the threats.
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