Man arrested for shoving Bennett bodyguard at Tel Aviv rally

A 23-year-old man from Givatayim was arrested on Saturday night following an altercation with security staff at a rally in Tel Aviv. The incident occurred while Naftali Bennett, the former prime minister and chairman of the B'Yachad party, was speaking to the crowd.

The suspect, who police said was likely under the influence of alcohol, attempted to breach the security perimeter. He shouted the slogan “Only Bibi” at Bennett and his staff. This phrase signals support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Guards tried to keep him at a distance, but he continued to push forward.

When a guard pushed the man back, the suspect shoved the guard in return. The security team subdued the man and held him at the scene until officers arrived. Police transported him to a local station for questioning. An initial check revealed that the man has no prior criminal record.

Bennett was holding the rally to demand the creation of a commission of inquiry. The group seeks to investigate the failures that led to the October 7 massacre. The former prime minister served from June 2021 to June 2022.

The arrest happened days before the 2026 Knesset elections. IDF soldiers began voting at military polling stations earlier this week.