Rally guard shoved by man shouting Netanyahu slogan

Police detained a 23-year-old man in Tel Aviv on Saturday night after a physical altercation with a security guard.

The incident occurred during a rally hosted by Naftali Bennett, the former prime minister and current leader of the B'Yachad party. Bennett was campaigning for a commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre. The suspect, a resident of Givatayim, was reportedly under the influence of alcohol. He shouted the slogan “Only Bibi,” a phrase supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while attempting to enter the restricted area around Bennett. Guards instructed him to stay back, but he continued to push forward. When one guard physically moved him away, the man shoved the officer in return. The security team subdued the man and held him at the park until officers arrived. Police then took him to a local station for questioning.

Bennett held the position of prime minister from June 2021 to June 2022. His current political push for an investigation into the war's early failures places him in direct dialogue with the governing coalition. The arrest happened days before the 2026 Knesset elections. Israeli soldiers had already cast their ballots at military polling stations earlier in the week. Investigators are currently reviewing the details of the confrontation. An initial background check showed the suspect has no prior criminal record.

The next scheduled step involves police finishing their interrogation. No further public dates have been announced for the inquiry commission's establishment.