Israeli police arrest man with knife near left-wing politician on election day

Updated on: October 27, 2026 / 11:27 AM EDT / CBS News

Israeli police arrested a man with a knife at an event for left-wing leader Yair Golan after what his party described as a "suspected stabbing attempt" Thursday, as Israelis went to the polls in a crucial election.

As Golan mobilized voters Tuesday in Tel Aviv, "an unidentified man wearing a jacket approached him in a threatening manner," his party, The Democrats, said.

"Golan's security guards blocked the man, and as they moved toward him, a large knife slipped from beneath his clothing and fell to the ground."

The guards "immediately subdued him before he could do anything. Police were called to the scene and arrested the suspect."

In a statement, Israeli police confirmed they "arrested a suspect in possession of a knife," but added that "contrary to reports, no attempted stabbing took place."

Golan, an ex-military officer, is the leader of Israel's main left-wing party, The Democrats, which is made up of elements of Israel's once-popular Labour Party.

He is in an electoral alliance led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, but sits further to the left.

Golan is the only candidate for a major party in Israel…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/