Bennett's security detail detains man shouting 'Only Bibi' at Tel Aviv rally
A 23-year-old suspect was taken into custody after a physical confrontation with a bodyguard during a political event in the capital.
By Leila Reynolds ·
Police in Tel Aviv detained a 23-year-old man on Saturday evening after he allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with one of the security personnel assigned to former prime minister Naftali Bennett. The incident occurred during a public rally where Bennett was speaking about the need for a state commission to investigate the failures surrounding the October 7 attack. The suspect, a resident of Givatayim, has been taken to a local police station for questioning.
The core of the dispute appears to have been the suspect's attempt to breach the security perimeter established around Bennett. Witnesses and sources indicate that the man was shouting a slogan in support of current prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Specifically, he was heard chanting a phrase that translates to a demand for the return of the current leader. Despite repeated instructions from the guards to keep a distance, the man attempted to push through the line of security staff.
Tensions escalated when one of the bodyguards physically pushed the suspect back to maintain the cordon. Rather than retreating, the man turned to confront the guard and shoved him in return. This action triggered a rapid response from the security team, who subdued the individual and held him at the scene until uniformed officers arrived. The police then formally arrested the suspect and transported him for further investigation.
Preliminary checks conducted by investigators suggest that the suspect did not have a prior criminal record. Authorities also noted that he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. While the immediate situation has been contained, police are still examining the specific circumstances and the extent of the physical contact involved. No formal charges have been announced yet, and the case remains under active review.
The timing of the incident has drawn attention due to its proximity to upcoming national elections. The 2026 Knesset elections are days away, with voting already underway at military polling stations earlier this week. Bennett, who served as prime minister from June 2021 to June 2022, is currently the chairman of the B'Yachad party. His presence at the rally was part of a broader campaign to pressure the government into establishing the promised inquiry into the events of October 7.
It remains unclear whether the suspect had prior knowledge of Bennett's schedule or if he was simply a member of the general public who became agitated. The slogan he used, supporting the current prime minister, adds a layer of political context to what might otherwise be viewed as a disorderly conduct case. Investigators are looking into whether the interaction was purely reactive or if there were other factors at play.
The security detail’s protocol appears to have functioned as intended, preventing the suspect from reaching Bennett. The former prime minister continued with his rally after the man was removed from the immediate area. This incident highlights the heightened security measures in place for political figures during the election period, where crowds can be large and emotions can run high.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on determining the appropriate legal response. Whether the case will be treated as a minor disturbance or a more serious assault will depend on the findings of the medical examination and the statements taken from the involved guards. The public awaits further updates from the police as they compile the details of the evening's events.
