23-year-old man arrested for shoving one of Bennett's bodyguards in Tel Aviv

A 23-year-old man from Givatayim was arrested on Saturday night for allegedly shoving one of former prime minister and B'Yachad party chairman Naftali Bennett's bodyguards. Initial reports indicated that the alleged attack happened while Bennett was participating in a rally in Tel Aviv demanding the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the failures that led to the October 7 massacre.

The man, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, tried to approach the security detail surrounding Bennett while shouting “Only Bibi” at him and his staff, a slogan in support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to sources, he tried to push through the security perimeter despite instructions from the guards, who were trying to keep him away from Bennett.

One of the guards pushed him back, but the man did not follow their instructions. Instead, he confronted the guard and shoved him in return. Police arrive on the scene, apprehend the suspect.

Following the altercation, the guards subdued the man and held him at the scene while calling the police. Police officers who arrived at the park arrested the suspect and took him to the police station for questioning.

An initial check found that the man has no criminal record and was likely under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Investigators are examining the circumstances of the incident.

Bennett served as prime minister from June 2021 to June 2022. The incident comes days before the 2026 Knesset elections, with IDF soldiers already voting at military polling stations earlier this week.