Jerusalem Bus Driver Accuses Police Officer of Assault

A 71-year-old bus driver from Jerusalem alleges he was physically assaulted by a police officer on Tuesday morning while driving a route in the city. The incident reportedly began during heavy traffic near the Romema area. Al-Natsheh stated that the officer ordered him to change lanes, which he claims forced him into a dangerous maneuver. He stopped the bus to let passengers, including women, children, and the elderly, disembark. According to Al-Natsheh's account, the situation escalated when the officer allegedly grabbed him, threw him to the ground, handcuffed him, and then pushed him against a rock, striking his back. Another officer arrived to help remove the handcuffs, and an ambulance was called to transport Al-Natsheh to the hospital. He has been a bus driver for approximately 50 years and described this as a first-time experience. Al-Natsheh also reported receiving a 500 shekel fine, a copy of which he sent to his employer, and intends to contest it in court. He questioned why force was used instead of issuing a traffic ticket and suggested the officer's actions endangered him, the passengers, and worsened the traffic. Al-Natsheh believes the treatment was motivated by discrimination, stating he would not have been treated this way if he were Jewish. He expressed his commitment to his job and noted the support he received from his passengers.