TikTok Trend Fuels Bus Driver Fears Amid Rising Attacks

Bus drivers in Israel are expressing fear for their safety due to a growing trend of stone-throwing attacks on public transport, reportedly linked to a dangerous TikTok challenge. In the city of Afula, four such attacks have occurred in the past ten days. The latest incident involved teenagers throwing stones at a Superbus company bus on route 13, causing significant damage. While no passengers were harmed in this instance, the repeated attacks threaten normal public transport operations.

Drivers report increased reluctance to work late shifts due to safety concerns. One driver, Fares Khadri, described how groups of bored teenagers on electric bikes block the bus's path, allowing accomplices to throw stones. He recounted an incident where stones cracked his windshield, and another where it was completely shattered the previous week.

This phenomenon is not isolated to Afula. Nationwide, 52 attacks on public transport drivers were recorded in August 2026, a 13% increase from the previous year. The article notes that such vandalism has previously led to serious consequences. Separately, Israeli public transport is slated for major upgrades aimed at improving speed, convenience, and accessibility, with regulators seeking to create a viable alternative to private car travel.