Teen Arrested for Brutal Attack on Jerusalem Bus Driver

Police in Beit Shemesh announced Monday the arrest of a 15-year-old suspect in the assault of a bus driver, identified as Khaled Awaisat. The incident occurred Sunday afternoon when Awaisat, driving route 2 for Nativ Express, refused to stop for the teenager who was not at a designated bus stop. The suspect reportedly demanded the driver open the doors, but Awaisat explained it was illegal and dangerous. In response, the passenger allegedly attacked Awaisat, punching him repeatedly, reportedly with a metal object, until he lost consciousness. Awaisat, 48, was hospitalized with moderate injuries and required medical attention. He told Kan Bet radio that the attacker called him a "stinking Arab" and that no passengers intervened. Awaisat criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, stating, "Ben-Gvir doesn't give us protection from the police," and attributing the attack to racism, noting that many drivers in the area have faced similar abuse and harassment, leading some to quit their jobs. Police stated that a dispute escalated, and the suspect allegedly spat at the driver and attacked him. Awaisat also told Ynet that he heard the attacker shout to friends, "I attacked him, I attacked him," describing the assault as feeling "planned" and a "cause for pride." MK Gilad Kariv visited Awaisat in the hospital, criticizing the police for not sending investigators to the hospital and instead asking the driver to come to the station after his release to file a complaint. Kariv called for a stronger response to "the epidemic of racist and thuggish violence against bus drivers in Israel."