Tipsy man held after pushing a guard at Bennett rally in Tel Aviv

Saturday night’s political gathering in Tel Aviv ended with an arrest that momentarily paused the event. Attendees gathered to press for a commission of inquiry into the events of October 7, but the program was interrupted when police took a young man into custody.

The suspect is a 23-year-old resident of Givatayim. Initial reports indicate he was under the influence of alcohol. He shouted “Only Bibi,” a slogan supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while attempting to close the distance between himself and the speaker.

Security staff maintained a perimeter around former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. The man ignored instructions to stay back and tried to push through the line. One guard pushed him back, but the suspect continued to advance. He then confronted the officer and shoved him in return.

Guards subdued the man and held him at the scene while waiting for backup. Police arrived at the park, confirmed his identity, and transported him to a local station for questioning. An initial background check found no prior criminal record.

Bennett, chairman of the B'Yachad party, served as prime minister from June 2021 to June 2022. The incident occurred days before the 2026 Knesset elections, with IDF soldiers having already cast ballots at military polling stations earlier in the week. Investigators are currently reviewing the circumstances of the altercation.