The roads leading into Jerusalem have in recent days become a tense stage between police forces and young drivers seeking quick profit by transporting Palestinians without permits. Behind the wheel are mostly men in their twenties – some from East Jerusalem, others from the north or south of Israel – all willing to take the risk. The outcome: dangerous chases, traffic collisions, and innocent motorists caught in a drama they never asked to join. One driver admitted receiving around 300 shekels for each passenger he smuggled.
Highway 38 – Crash Ends With Overturned Car
On Highway 38 near Beit Shemesh, a routine smuggling attempt turned into a reckless chase. A 19-year-old driver from Rahat refused to stop, crossed a solid line, ran a red light and sped along the shoulder. The chase ended when he crashed into two vehicles – one overturned in the middle of the road, leaving its driver moderately injured, while another driver suffered light wounds. The suspect and his three illegal passengers were taken for questioning.
Highway 431 – Cash and a Young Smuggler
During an operation by Beit Shemesh detectives on Highway 431, police stopped a car carrying four illegal migrants. The driver, a resident of East Jerusalem, had tens of thousands of shekels in cash hidden in his possession. Investigators suspect the money was paid to him as smuggling fees. Police intend to request forfeiture of the funds as illicit proceeds.
(TikTok arrest – 218 km/h near Jerusalem)
Ramot Neighborhood – Ride With a Fixed Fare
In northern Jerusalem, police patrol officers in Ramot stopped a young man from northern Israel after he picked up five illegal migrants near Dahiyat al-Barid junction. The investigation revealed a structured arrangement: fixed pick-up point, known destination and clear payment per passenger. All suspects were transferred for interrogation, with police stressing that the crackdown on such activities will continue.
