Jerusalem’s public transport network has been thrust back into public debate after a violent assault on a bus driver led to indictments against seven teenagers aged 13 to 16. Beyond the incident itself, the case has reignited concerns over authority, deterrence and passenger safety across the city’s buses, particularly as drivers report a rise in violent confrontations in recent months.
According to the indictment, the attack unfolded shortly before midnight. The teenagers slapped the driver, damaged the bus, entered his cabin and stole his belongings. As the driver attempted to flee, they chased him, shouted threats and continued throwing stones. A second bus that passed through the area was also hit, shattering its door window.
How serious has bus violence in Jerusalem become in recent months?
Drivers describe a sharp increase in incidents: verbal abuse, physical assaults, vandalism and stone-throwing. For many, late-night routes have become unpredictable terrain where the driver’s authority feels increasingly fragile.
What exactly happened during this latest assault?
The indictment outlines a chaotic scene: passengers witnessing the confrontation, the teenagers damaging the vehicle, personal items taken from the driver’s cabin and stones thrown at both buses involved. Police later found the driver’s identity card, credit card and mobile phone in the suspects’ possession, with the stolen phone smashed.
How did Jerusalem District Police respond?
Officers from the Lev HaBira station arrived quickly, arrested several suspects after a brief chase and later detained additional teenagers connected to the assault. After investigators completed their work and evidence was established, prosecutors filed charges of public disorder, assaulting a public worker, theft, intentional vehicle damage and other offenses.
Jerusalem District Police stated that officers “continue to act decisively and relentlessly against violence in the public sphere, particularly toward public service workers, in order to locate all involved and bring them to justice.”
What does this mean for everyday passengers?
Violence on buses affects not only drivers but the many thousands who rely on public transport daily. Each incident erodes confidence in the system and reinforces a broader concern: whether Jerusalem can maintain control, safety and deterrence on its busiest transport arteries.
Can Jerusalem regain control of its buses?
The indictments are meant to signal deterrence, but the broader question remains unresolved. As long as drivers begin their shifts with a sense of vulnerability and passengers witness violence on routine routes, the city’s public transport system continues to face a critical test. Whether Jerusalem can restore authority, safety and stability on its buses is now at the heart of the public debate.
Violence on Jerusalem’s public transportation and the attack on city bus drivers pic.twitter.com/GJJMeEwGkK
— jerusalem online (@Jlmonline) December 10, 2025
