Bus Driver Attacked in Afula by Passenger Shouting Racist Slurs

A Superbus driver in Afula was assaulted on Sunday evening by a passenger who cursed at him, spat on him, and punched him in the back of the neck, according to the Koach LaOvdim transportation union. The passenger allegedly shouted, "Arab terrorist, I should kill you." The suspect was arrested by police and taken for questioning. The incident occurred on bus line 247, operated by a minibus. The passenger boarded the bus and sat behind the driver. After the driver began the journey, the passenger spat on him, cursed at him, and punched him. The driver stopped the bus and called the police. The passenger attempted to flee, damaging the ticketing machine and the bus door in the process. He then threatened the driver again after exiting the vehicle. The driver stated that the same passenger had attacked him about two weeks prior, spitting on him then as well. He explained that he had not initially reacted because he was just doing his job, but noted that the passenger is known to others for similar incidents. The driver reported feeling disoriented from the blows but was not seriously injured. He also mentioned that he believed the suspect was carrying tear gas and expressed concern about what might have happened if it had been used during the ride. Itay Cohen, head of the transportation branch at Koach LaOvdim, called for increased security on public transportation in Afula, advocating for a mounted security unit to deter future violence. He urged the Ministry of Transportation to collaborate with the union on expanding security projects. The union also claimed the suspect is known to police as a repeat offender against drivers and warned of further violence.