Alcohol-impaired man arrested after shoving guard at Bennett rally

Police arrested a 23-year-old resident of Givatayim on Saturday night after he shoved a bodyguard assigned to former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in Tel Aviv.

Bennett was attending a rally demanding the creation of a commission to investigate the failures preceding the October 7 attacks. The suspect, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, shouted the slogan "Only Bibi" in support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He attempted to move through the security perimeter despite instructions from guards who were maintaining a barrier around Bennett's staff.

After one guard pushed the man back, the suspect confronted the officer and shoved him in return. Security personnel subdued the man and held him at the scene until police arrived. Officers transported the suspect to a station for questioning.

Preliminary checks indicated the man had no prior criminal record. Investigators are currently reviewing the specific circumstances of the altercation.

The incident occurred shortly before the 2026 Knesset elections. Soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces cast their ballots at military polling stations earlier in the week.

Bennett held the office of prime minister from June 2021 until June 2022. He currently serves as the chairman of the B'Yachad party.