Givatayim resident detained after pushing guard at Bennett rally
The 23-year-old man was arrested Saturday night in Tel Aviv after shouting slogans in support of Prime Minister Netanyahu during an event focused on the October 7 massacre.
By Jason Kovalenko ·
A 23-year-old man from Givatayim was taken into custody on Saturday night following a physical confrontation with the security detail of former prime minister Naftali Bennett.
The incident occurred during a rally in Tel Aviv where Bennett, chairman of the B'Yachad party, addressed supporters demanding a commission of inquiry into the failures leading to the October 7 massacre. The suspect allegedly approached the perimeter surrounding Bennett while under the influence of alcohol.
Witnesses reported the man shouting “Only Bibi,” a slogan supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as he attempted to reach the former premier. Security guards instructed him to stay back, but he continued to push through the line. When a guard pushed him away, the man did not retreat and instead shoved the officer in return.
The guards subdued the suspect and held him at the park while waiting for backup. Police officers arrived on the scene, took the man into custody, and transported him to a nearby station for questioning. An initial review of his background revealed no prior criminal record.
Investigators are currently examining the specific circumstances of the altercation. The event took place days before the 2026 Knesset elections, a period during which IDF soldiers have already cast ballots at military polling stations earlier this week. Bennett served as prime minister from June 2021 to June 2022.
