Man detained after shoving guard at rally

A 23-year-old man from Givatayim was arrested on Saturday night following a physical confrontation with security personnel at a political rally in Tel Aviv. The incident occurred during an event organized by former prime minister Naftali Bennett, who sought support for a commission of inquiry into the events of October 7.

Witnesses and security sources report that the suspect, who had no prior criminal record, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. He attempted to breach the perimeter protecting Bennett while shouting the slogan “Only Bibi,” a phrase of support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Guards instructed him to retreat, but he continued to push toward the central stage.

The interaction escalated when a bodyguard pushed the man back to maintain the barrier. The suspect responded by shoving the guard in return. Security staff immediately restrained the man and held him in place within the park until police officers arrived. Officers took the suspect into custody and transported him to a local station for questioning.

The timing of the arrest places the incident just days before the 2026 Knesset elections. Members of the Israel Defense Forces began casting ballots at military polling stations earlier in the week. Bennett, who served as prime minister from June 2021 to June 2022, leads the B'Yachad party and remains a prominent figure in the upcoming electoral cycle.

Investigators are currently reviewing the specific circumstances of the altercation. The arrest marks a distinct security pause at a high-profile gathering aimed at shaping the national debate over the October 7 failures.