Bus Driver Recounts Brutal Attack Over Refusal to Stop Mid-Route

Khaled Awaishet, a bus driver for "Beit Shemesh Express," recounted a violent assault he endured on Sunday when a passenger attacked him for refusing to let him disembark at a non-designated stop. Awaishet explained to the passenger that stopping mid-route posed a significant safety risk to both the passenger and himself, offering to let him off at the next scheduled stop instead. The passenger responded by spitting at Awaishet and then punching him. The incident occurred in the morning hours, with the suspect, a resident of Beitar Illit, allegedly attacking the 50-year-old driver solely because he adhered to safety regulations. The suspect was arrested a day later, and the legal department of the Public Transportation Drivers' Union filed a complaint against him.

Awaishet was hospitalized at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem and released with injuries including swelling to his head, face, and neck, and severe pain in his upper body, face, head, and shoulder. He described losing consciousness after the attack and waking up in the ambulance. He emphasized that he managed to pull the emergency brake during the initial assault, preventing the bus from rolling uncontrolled into a street with ongoing construction, which could have led to a "heavy disaster." He speculated that the attack might have been racially motivated, noting he is an Arab driver.

Awaishet, a veteran driver with extensive experience, stated that such incidents were unheard of in his previous roles. While he intends to continue driving if able, he plans to implement enhanced safety measures. He urged fellow drivers to prioritize their safety, advising them to stop the engine and exit the bus if they feel any danger, as no one else will support their families if they are harmed. He also appealed to passengers for mutual respect, highlighting the care drivers take, such as waiting for elderly passengers to be seated before moving.

The attack on Awaishet is part of a broader trend of escalating violence against public transportation drivers in Israel. Data from the Public Transportation Drivers' Union revealed 52 severe violence incidents against drivers in August 2026, the highest number recorded in over six years, representing a 13% increase compared to the previous year. Recent weeks have also seen a driver from "Kavim" attacked on a night route and another stabbed in Ramat Gan. The union expressed alarm over the rising violence and called for the immediate expansion of security units nationwide, warning that the day a driver is murdered is approaching.