Naftali Bennett Confronts Assailant After Object Thrown During Bnei Brak Visit

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett released a video showing the moment an object was thrown at him during a campaign visit to a restaurant in Bnei Brak. The footage captures Bennett reacting with anger, shouting "Who is that?!" and demanding police make an arrest. Reports indicate two objects were thrown; the first, possibly a salt shaker, hit his aide, while a second, unidentified object was thrown moments later.

The incident occurred at "Motis - The Tcholentier" restaurant during a campaign event aimed at meeting with Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) yeshiva students and young people. According to reports, extremist activists gathered, escalating the atmosphere. While police stated the object did not hit Bennett, his party claimed two items were thrown, with one striking his aide on the head, requiring immediate treatment.

The suspect, identified as Lior Azrad, a man in his twenties with a prior criminal record, was arrested by police. A district court in Tel Aviv reduced his detention until September 27, following an earlier decision by a lower court to extend his arrest until September 28. An indictment against Azrad is expected soon.

Bennett, currently a candidate for prime minister representing the "Yamina" party, was visiting Bnei Brak as part of his election campaign.