Three Arrested for Violent Robberies of Delivery Drivers in Central Israel

Police in Lod have arrested three suspects, including two cousins in their 20s and a resident of Jaffa, who are accused of a string of violent robberies targeting delivery drivers. The arrests were made shortly after an alleged robbery, leading to an indictment against the three for four violent incidents that occurred in Lod and Ramla over the past two months. The investigation began following a violent robbery in Lod on July 23, 2026, where masked individuals allegedly attacked a delivery driver, smashed his vehicle's window, and stole cash and property. During the investigation, officers identified a recurring pattern of operation across Lod and the neighboring city of Ramla.

According to the indictment filed by the Central District Prosecutor's Office, the suspects allegedly conspired to rob delivery drivers and divide the spoils. The scheme involved one defendant ordering deliveries using fake names and non-existent addresses, then informing the other two defendants of the delivery drivers' arrival times and locations. The two male defendants, reportedly masked and armed with items like pepper spray, would then ambush the drivers.

In the four incidents attributed to the group, the delivery drivers sustained injuries, and their vehicles were damaged. The total value of the cash and property stolen is estimated to be in the tens of thousands of shekels. The defendants are charged with group robbery, aggravated assault, and vehicle break-ins, all committed jointly. The suspects were apprehended on August 7, 2026, during a joint operation by Lod detectives and the Yamam special patrol unit, described by police as being caught "red-handed" shortly after another alleged robbery.