Naftali Bennett Confronts Protester, Threatens Draft Evasion Consequences

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, now chairman of the "Achva" party, faced a hostile reception during a campaign visit to a restaurant in Bnei Brak on Thursday. The event, which began as a discussion with yeshiva students, escalated into a confrontation when a group of activists began shouting insults, including the word "antisemitic."

During the visit, Bennett engaged in a heated exchange with right-wing activist Mordechai David, who attempted to block his path. Bennett responded by addressing David's potential draft evasion, stating, "I suggest you enlist quickly because from the moment I am prime minister, you will not get a shekel from the state." The incident also involved objects being thrown at Bennett.

According to the Achva party, a salt shaker narrowly missed Bennett but struck a female staff member on the head. She received initial medical attention from Magen David Adom paramedics at the scene and was released without further treatment. Police present at the location immediately arrested a suspect in connection with the thrown object and took them for questioning. Bennett was escorted out of the restaurant by security forces.

The Achva party stated that the original discussion was proceeding constructively until political activists disrupted it. Bennett expressed gratitude to the police and rescue forces and intends to continue similar meetings nationwide as part of his campaign. The report also notes a separate incident on Wednesday where Mordechai David confronted and verbally attacked former Knesset member Sami Abu Shehadeh in Jaffa.