Israeli woman runs over child, killing her, and will not go to prison

A 78-year-old female driver, who did not reduce speed before a pedestrian crossing in Ganei Tikva, ran over and killed a 10-year-old girl. The court sentenced her to 9 months of community service, a lifetime driving ban, and 40,000 shekels in compensation, refusing to impose an actual prison term.

A 78-year-old Israeli woman, found guilty of negligent homicide of a 10-year-old girl, avoided an actual prison sentence. The accident occurred in August 2024 on Galil Street in Ganei Tikva: the woman did not reduce speed before a pedestrian crossing and struck the child, who was crossing the road with her aunt and another relative. The girl died at Sheba Hospital shortly after arrival. The Traffic Court in Bat Yam rejected the defense's arguments about the inevitability of the accident, stating that the dangerous situation arose from actions the driver could have avoided. The judge recognized a high degree of negligence but took into account her clean driving record, remorse, and community involvement. The sentence: 9 months of community service, a lifetime driving ban, 40,000 shekels in compensation to the family, and suspended sentences. The prosecution had sought the maximum penalty of one year in prison.