Palestinian Man Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Judge's Car in Tel Aviv

A resident of Jenin, identified as 46-year-old Tarek Jarar, was arrested in Tel Aviv on Sunday morning on suspicion of stealing the vehicle belonging to District Court Judge Alaa Masarweh. The car was reportedly stolen from northern Tel Aviv and was later spotted traveling north on the Ayalon Highway. Police initiated a pursuit, and officers from the Glilot station were deployed to block the vehicle's path on Highway 5.

According to police, Jarar, who is in Israel illegally, did not stop when ordered to do so at a checkpoint. He allegedly collided with another vehicle and continued driving before being apprehended. Bodycam footage showed officers approaching the car, and when the driver failed to comply, they smashed the driver's window to remove him. It was then revealed that the driver was Jarar, from Jenin, without a permit to be in Israel.

During his interrogation, Jarar claimed he was unaware the car was stolen, stating that someone sold it to him and he believed it was legitimately acquired. Police have charged him with vehicle theft, malicious damage, driving without a license, and driving without insurance.

His defense attorney argued in court that Jarar came to Israel seeking work due to his family's financial difficulties in Jenin and that he did not know the car was stolen. The attorney also requested a psychiatric evaluation for Jarar.

The stolen vehicle was returned to Judge Masarweh. The court extended Jarar's detention until September 8, 2026, while police continue their investigation into the circumstances of the theft and the subsequent chase.