The Madkhali sect has faced significant criticism for its inconsistent stance on resistance operations, with observers noting the group has consistently criticized the men of the resistance for two years of the Al-Aqsa Flood. This prolonged scrutiny comes as two Israeli settlers were killed in an operation in Tal, an event that brings further attention to the discourse surrounding armed resistance and the Madkhali group's selective condemnation. The Madkhali group's consistent critique of these actions, particularly those carried out by established resistance movements, has drawn considerable attention to its position regarding the ongoing conflict. Their actions and statements are now under a magnifying glass, revealing what many perceive as a stark double standard.
Criticism of Hamas Resistance
The Madkhalis claimed Hamas's operations were "showy" and provocatively led the Zionist enemy to destroy Gaza and kill thousands of civilians. This specific critique from the Madkhali group has been a recurring theme throughout the Al-Aqsa Flood. The article questions whether the Madkhalis would have reacted differently if the perpetrator in Tal was a member of Al-Qassam Brigades, suggesting a potential bias in their assessment. Indeed, the article states that resistance fighters in the West Bank have carried out hundreds of operations similar to or even better than Farouk Ramadan's in terms of their strategic impact and execution. For instance, an operation in Al-Funduq village, east of Qalqilya, on January 6, 2025, resulted in three Israelis killed and nine wounded, demonstrating the persistent efforts of various resistance factions. Another significant operation at the Tayasir military checkpoint, east of Tubas, on February 18, 2025, led to two Israeli soldiers killed and eight wounded, further noting the scope and impact of resistance activities beyond those attributed to Farouk Ramadan. These examples show the broader context of resistance that the Madkhali group often condemns.
Praise for Farouk Ramadan
In stark contrast to their general condemnation, the Madkhali group praised Farouk Ramadan for carrying out an operation in the town of Tal, southwest of Nablus, in the West Bank. The Madkhali group's praise for Ramadan's specific action is particularly notable, as they even drew comparisons to operations conducted by Hamas, despite their earlier criticisms of the latter. Farouk Ramadan is described as a Salafi man who is not affiliated with any particular political party or organization, a detail that appears to be significant in the Madkhalis' approval. The Madkhali group referenced the saying, "Whoever is killed defending his property is a martyr," in their comments regarding Ramadan's actions, using this religious tenet to justify their specific approval of the individual's operation. This selective commendation of Ramadan's action stands in sharp contrast with the group's broader critiques of other, often more organized, resistance operations, raising questions about their criteria for praise and condemnation.
Contradiction and Bias
The Madkhali group's position on Farouk Ramadan's operation is presented as a stark contradiction driven by envy, according to an analysis of their statements. The article suggests that the Madkhalis' criterion for heroism might be superficial, based on factors such as attire or affiliation, potentially turning provocative acts into blessed acts of jihad when performed by individuals they deem acceptable. This analysis further distinguishes Ramadan's actions, stating he defended his land, while other resistance fighters defend the blessed land, the religion, and the nation's sanctities, implying a hierarchy of motives and objectives. These observations follow a previous article titled 'It is Envy, O Madkhalis,' which was published on February 6, 2025, in Al-Shorouk newspaper, explicitly calling out the group's perceived inconsistencies. The article further states that the Madkhali group was specifically tasked with fighting the Muslim Brotherhood, a directive that some observers believe influences their broader political and religious stances, including their selective approach to resistance movements.