Man Dies in Road Accident Near Jadeidi-Makr; Arab Road Fatalities Rise

A 40-year-old man was killed early Tuesday morning after being struck by a car on Highway 85 near the town of Jadeidi-Makr in the Western Galilee. Magen David Adom received a report at 5:21 AM regarding a pedestrian hit by a vehicle. Paramedics arrived to find the man unconscious, without a pulse or breathing, suffering from severe injuries. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have launched an investigation and detained the driver involved.

This incident occurs amidst a concerning rise in road fatalities within the Arab community in Israel. As of September 5, 2026, 120 Arab citizens have died in road accidents since the beginning of the year. This represents a 20% increase compared to the same period last year, when 100 deaths were recorded. The Or Yarok Association notes that 2026 is shaping up to be the deadliest year in the last decade for the Arab community regarding road accidents.

Arabs, who constitute approximately 20% of Israel's population, accounted for about 39% of all road accident fatalities this year. In August alone, 14 Arab citizens died. Nationally, 308 people have died in road accidents in Israel since the start of the year.

Further statistics reveal that 56 Arab victims (47%) died in private vehicles, 13 in incidents involving trucks or buses, 19 were pedestrians, and 24 were cyclists or scooter riders. Young drivers under 24 years old accounted for 28 fatalities (23% of Arab victims), while 13 children under 14 and 49 young people aged 15-24 were also among the deceased. Additionally, four elderly individuals aged 65 and above died. Of the total fatalities, 87 occurred on inter-city roads, 26 within cities, and 7 in open areas.