Naftali Bennett Confronts Protester, Vows to Cut Benefits if Elected
Naftali Bennett, chairman of the "Achieving Israel" 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 gathering where activists shouted insults at Bennett, including the word "antisemitic."
During the visit, Bennett engaged in a confrontation with right-wing activist Mordechai David, who attempted to block his path. Bennett responded by addressing David's exemption from military service, stating, "I suggest you enlist quickly because from the moment I am prime minister, you will not receive a shekel from the state."
The incident also involved the throwing of objects at Bennett. According to the "Achieving Israel" party, a salt shaker missed Bennett but struck a female staff member on the head. She received initial medical treatment from Magen David Adom paramedics at the scene and was released without further medical attention.
Police officers present at the scene immediately arrested a suspect for throwing the object and took him for questioning. Bennett was escorted out of the restaurant by security forces. A statement from Bennett's party indicated that the original discussion was proceeding constructively until political activists disrupted it. Bennett thanked the police and rescue forces and intends to continue similar meetings nationwide as part of his campaign.
The police stated that the suspect arrested for throwing an object was investigated and detained. A district court later shortened his detention until September 27, 2026, overturning an earlier decision by a lower court to extend his detention until September 28, 2026. The investigation is ongoing.
This is not the only recent incident involving Mordechai David. On Wednesday, David confronted Sami Abu Shahadeh, chairman of the Balad party, in Jaffa, engaging in a verbal altercation captured on camera. David was heard shouting at the former Knesset member, "Sami Abu Shahadeh is running away here in Jaffa. You are blocked, you are blocked in memory of Bin Laden."
