Driver Tries to Flee Police in North, Five Illegal Residents Found in Car

A 20-year-old Bedouin man was indicted on Tuesday after a dangerous police chase in northern Israel ended with five illegal Palestinian residents found in his vehicle, including two hiding in the trunk. Police say the case is part of an ongoing crackdown on transporting, employing and sheltering people staying illegally in Israel.

According to the indictment, officers spotted a suspicious car driving recklessly near the Sumei interchange and tried to stop it. The driver ignored commands to pull over, prompting an immediate pursuit.

During the chase on Route 70, the suspect allegedly ran red lights, drove on the shoulder and made dangerous overtakes, endangering other road users. The pursuit ended near Tamra after police patrol cars blocked the road and forced the driver to stop.

A search of the car found five illegal residents from Judea and Samaria. Two of them tried to hide in the trunk and were taken for further questioning. Police said the phenomenon has serious security implications and is often linked to other serious criminal and security offenses. On Monday, a 15-year-old illegal resident was also detained after allegedly trying to steal a car in Ness Ziona.