Arrest at Bennett rally in Tel Aviv

A 23-year-old resident of Givatayim was arrested on Saturday night in Tel Aviv.

Police detained the man after he shoved a bodyguard assigned to former prime minister Naftali Bennett. The incident occurred while Bennett spoke at a rally demanding a commission of inquiry into the failures leading to the October 7 massacre.

Witnesses reported the suspect was under the influence of alcohol. He shouted "Only Bibi," a slogan supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as he tried to approach the security detail. Guards instructed him to stop, but he continued moving toward the perimeter.

One guard pushed the man back to maintain distance. The suspect then shoved the guard in return. The security team subdued the man and held him at the scene until officers arrived. Police took him to a local station for questioning.

Preliminary checks show the suspect has no prior criminal record. Investigators are currently reviewing the circumstances of the encounter. Bennett served as prime minister from June 2021 to June 2022.

The event took place days before the 2026 Knesset elections. IDF soldiers voted at military polling stations earlier this week.