Tohar Lev Jacobson: The threat is not Arab drivers, but racism and violence against them

An opinion piece by Tohar Lev Jacobson argues that the real threat to public transportation is not Arab drivers, but the racism and violence directed at them. The author references comments by Channel 14 commentators and criticizes Transportation Minister Miri Regev for her silence.

An opinion piece by Tohar Lev Jacobson argues that the real threat to public transportation in Israel is not Arab drivers, but the racism and violence directed at them. The author references comments by Channel 14 commentators Danny Neuman and Mor Dekel, who called Arab drivers a "security threat" and a "ticking time bomb." According to him, the daily verbal and physical violence from passengers on racist grounds is causing a shortage of about 5,000 drivers. According to CBS data, only 15% of the population uses public transportation. In Jerusalem, about 70% of drivers are Arab, and in August 2026 alone, dozens of violent incidents occurred, including an assault where a driver was beaten and lost four teeth. The author criticizes Transportation Minister Miri Regev, who he says does not condemn the incitement and does not address the violence, and claims that 94% of cases against attackers are closed. He calls on election candidates to condemn the incitement and act for worker safety.