Israeli bus drivers this week began a training course on how to deal with terrorists.
A group of 100 drivers for the Egged bus line attended a one-day, seven-hour seminar Tuesday, at which time they learned how to identify potential terrorists, conduct body searches and hand-to-hand combat, and stop their vehicles in an emergency.
Israeli buses have, over the years, been a favorite target of terrorists.
One of the course participants, Itzik Aharon, told Army Radio that he thought the seminar was effective.
“It gives us a sense of some security. If we encounter such a situation, we must do everything we can to get the upper hand,” he said.
Aharon said he did not think drivers would automatically draw their guns if confronted with a terrorist.
“Each driver has to use his best judgment based on the circumstances,” he said. “One of his main concerns is to prevent any injury to passengers.”
Some 7,000 drivers will undergo the training, with refresher courses offered every 18 months, according to Army Radio.
In addition, Israeli officials are reportedly considering the possibility of stationing security personnel on all buses.
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