52 attacks in a month: unprecedented rise in violence against bus drivers
In August 2026, an unprecedented 13% increase in violence against drivers was recorded compared to last year, marking the highest figure ever measured. Following a series of stabbings and assaults, the Drivers' Union of the National Labor Federation is demanding the immediate deployment of security units: "The time has come for immediate preventive actions."
For years, violence has plagued Israel's roads, and data for August 2026 reveals a dangerous reality for public transport drivers.
According to the violence index of the Public Transport Drivers' Union of the National Labor Federation, which represents the majority of drivers in the country, no fewer than 52 cases of severe violence were recorded during the past month alone. This figure reflects a 13% increase in cases of severe physical assault compared to August of last year, and constitutes the highest monthly number of attacks measured since the index began operating over six years ago.
The drivers' union warns that the situation is worsening and the risk of a lethal event is higher than ever. The steepest increase is felt on night lines transporting young people to entertainment venues. The organization explains that the severe physical violence cases included in the index refer to incidents involving cold weapons, such as knives, hammers, and bottles.
This reality has translated over the last two weeks into a series of extremely serious events:
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A bus driver for the "Kavim" company on line 230 was attacked while driving on night lines and hospitalized in serious condition.
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A driver for "Beit Shemesh Express" was severely beaten and hospitalized.
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In Ramat Gan, a driver was stabbed by a group of teenagers.
These cases, in addition to two other severe incidents whose publication has not yet been approved, led to the filing of complaints by the union's legal department and the arrest of a suspect in one of the attacks.
In light of the growing lawlessness and the real danger to the lives of the drivers, the Public Transport Drivers' Union states:
"The time has come for immediate preventive actions."
The main demand currently being raised is to immediately expand the operations of dedicated security units for public transport to all parts of the country. The organization reiterates its warning that without a comprehensive and permanent security response to protect drivers, the day a driver pays with his life is closer than ever.
