(JTA) — Two men beat an Arab bus driver inside a West Bank settlement in what the alleged victim said was a hate crime.
According to Israeli media reports, Thursday’s incident was among several involving settlers targeting random Palestinians this week, likely to avenge terrorist attacks.
Nidal Alfakia was lightly injured in the incident, in which he said two men blocked his bus in Modiin Ilit, boarded the vehicle and hit his face. They assaulted him when they realized he was an Arab speaker, the driver said, according to Channel 10. The driver complained to police and was treated for his injuries.
His bus company, Kavim, said that some of its drivers were striking in protest of the incident, affecting services in Modiin Ilit. The firm also said it will seek legal action against anyone found to have used violence against its employee.
Sassi Sadeh, a union leader, told Channel 10 that Modiin Ilit has seen several cases of violence against bus drivers in recent years.
On Thursday, a Palestinian terrorist killed two Israeli soldiers. Earlier this week, seven Israelis were injured in a shooting attack in the West Bank, including a pregnant woman. Her baby, who was prematurely born, died Wednesday.
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