Bennett rally in Tel Aviv interrupted by arrest of 23-year-old

A 23-year-old resident of Givatayim was arrested on Saturday night after an altercation with security personnel at a political rally in Tel Aviv. The incident occurred during a gathering led by Naftali Bennett, the former prime minister and chairman of the B'Yachad party, who was advocating for the creation of a commission of inquiry into the events of October 7.

Witnesses reported that the suspect appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. He attempted to breach the security perimeter surrounding Bennett while shouting the slogan “Only Bibi,” a phrase supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Guards instructed the man to step back, but he continued to move toward the stage.

The confrontation escalated when a bodyguard pushed the man away. The suspect then shoved the guard in return. Security staff quickly subdued the individual and held him at the scene until police arrived. Officers took the man into custody and transported him to a local station for questioning.

Preliminary checks indicated that the suspect has no prior criminal record. Investigators are currently reviewing the circumstances of the push to determine if charges will be filed. The event took place in a public park, where crowds had gathered to listen to speeches regarding the government’s response to the October 7 massacre.

The incident occurs in the final stretch of the electoral cycle ahead of the 2026 Knesset elections. Military personnel have already cast their ballots at designated polling stations earlier this week. Bennett served as prime minister for one year, from June 2021 to June 2022.