Arrests follow scuffle at rally for October 7 inquiry commission

A 23-year-old resident of Givatayim was arrested on Saturday night following a physical altercation with a bodyguard assigned to Naftali Bennett. The incident occurred at a rally in Tel Aviv where Bennett, the chairman of the B'Yachad party, was urging the creation of a commission of inquiry into the events of October 7. Bennett served as prime minister from June 2021 through June 2022.

Witnesses reported that the man, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, attempted to breach the security perimeter surrounding Bennett. He repeatedly shouted the slogan “Only Bibi,” a chant supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while moving toward the former leader. Security personnel instructed him to step back, but he continued to press forward.

When one of the guards pushed the man back to maintain the distance, the suspect turned and shoved the officer in return. The security team then subdued the man and held him at the location until police arrived. Officers took the suspect into custody and transported him to a police station for questioning.

Preliminary checks indicated that the man had no prior criminal record. Investigators are currently reviewing the specific circumstances of the confrontation. The incident took place in a park setting, which served as the venue for the political gathering.

This dispute arises in the final days before the 2026 Knesset elections. IDF soldiers cast their ballots at military polling stations earlier this week, marking the start of the voting process for the upcoming general election.

The B'Yachad party is participating in the election cycle as a distinct political entity. The rally focused on the demand for a formal investigation into the failures attributed to the security apparatus prior to the October 7 attacks.