Man arrested after shoving bodyguard at Naftali Bennett rally
Police detained a 23-year-old from Givatayim who allegedly pushed a security guard during a Tel Aviv event demanding an inquiry into the October 7 attacks.
By Thomas Obasi ·
A 23-year-old man from Givatayim was arrested on Saturday night after allegedly shoving a bodyguard protecting former prime minister Naftali Bennett.
The incident occurred in Tel Aviv while Bennett attended a rally calling for a commission of inquiry into the failures that led to the October 7 massacre. Initial reports indicate the man was under the influence of alcohol when he attempted to approach the security detail.
Witnesses said the suspect shouted the slogan “Only Bibi,” a phrase supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while trying to push through the perimeter. Guards instructed him to stay back, but he continued to advance.
After one guard pushed the man back, the suspect confronted the officer and shoved him in return. The security team subdued the man and held him at the park until police arrived. Officers took the suspect to a nearby station for questioning.
An initial review found the man has no prior criminal record. Investigators are currently examining the specific circumstances of the altercation. The event took place days before the 2026 Knesset elections, during which IDF soldiers cast their ballots at military polling stations earlier this week.
Bennett, who leads the B'Yachad party, served as prime minister from June 2021 to June 2022. The rally focused on public demands for transparency regarding the security lapses that preceded the October 7 attacks.
