Suspect arrested after attempted stabbing of Israel's Democrats party leader, Yair Golan

During a voter mobilisation tour, the party said “an unidentified man wearing a jacket” approached Golan in a “threatening manner” Picture: Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg via Getty Images

There has been an attempted stabbing of the leader of the Democrats party, Yair Golan, at HaMesila park in Tel Aviv amid the Israel elections, the party has said in a statement.

During a voter mobilisation tour, the party said “an unidentified man wearing a jacket” approached Golan in a “threatening manner”.

The statement additionally said that 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 security guards immediately subdued him before he could do anything," they said. 

"Police were called to the scene and arrested the suspect."

In a statement, Golan said: “Incitement and violence will not deter us". 

"This is the direct result of the poison machine operated by Netanyahu and his Qatari agents," said Golan.

"I call on everyone who cares about security and democracy to go out and vote now, so that we can ensure the country we love so dearly becomes a free and safe place once again.” 

Golan fought a long legal battle to get security protection from the Shin Bet security service. 

They only resumed responsibility for his security on Monday, the day before the elections.

- The Guardian