The investigation into the shooting attack in the Binyamin region of Shomron shows that a more lethal disaster was prevented, and B’chasdei Hashem, only two persons were wounded, both lightly.

Searches conducted by IDF forces, the Shin Bet and the police found at least 11 bullets in the vicinity of the bus. The two injured men, the driver of the bus and the passenger Avichai Sheli were lightly injured by shrapnel, even though the bus was a bullet-proof bus. Among other things, it was checked whether the shooting was carried out from close range or from one of the tall houses in Ramallah overlooking the road in that area.

Meanwhile, the Association of Egged Transport drivers announced it was holding an ‘information meeting’ for drivers on Thursday afternoon at the company’s Atarot branch. Due to the meeting, the company’s lines in the Binyamin area were shut down as well as lines coming and going to the area between 2:00PM and 3:30PM.

Service was disrupted on the 140, 141,142,143, 146, 147,149, 468,494,461,462, 463,464,465, 469,466,467,468,499,946, and 941 lines.

“We ask ourselves what would have happened with the driver was traveling one MPH slower. It would have ended in disaster. A wounded driver is a driver who endangers the passengers. This is contempt of society, the behavior of the police and the Transportation Ministry here are unclear, “says Ra’id Mishal, chairman of the workers’ committee.

“We can understand the distress of the passengers today because of the sanctions, but they must understand that we are conducting a joint struggle here,” the union says. “The costs are negligible, it is only a few lines that will ensure the most basic condition – anyone who gets on the bus gets out alive.”

“The shots are not the only threat, and every day drivers are forced to deal with Molotov cocktails and stones thrown at buses, and there is no answer seen,” says Tam Fromowitz, a co-head of the transportation sector for workers.

“Today, the drivers are simply afraid to board buses, and the demonstrations and promises of various organizations will not be of any help to us. The blood of drivers and passengers will not be abandoned,” he concluded.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)