Bystander and attacker killed after armed motorcyclists opened fire on a jeep on the main road
Two armed motorcyclists opened fire on a jeep in central Israel, injuring two passengers. Police believe it was a targeted ambush linked to rival gangs in Arab society.
One of the attackers was shot dead at the scene by soldiers who believed the shooting was a terrorist attack, Hebrew media reported. A bystander who had nothing to do with the criminal dispute was killed by a stray bullet.
Police were reportedly investigating whether the passerby was shot by the two criminals or by soldiers who responded to the incident.
Footage of the incident showed two men on a motorcycle speeding toward a jeep on Route 443 north of Modiin and then opening fire on its passengers.
The Jeep continued down the road even after several bullets hit its windshield, closely followed by the attackers. After his accomplice was shot, the other motorcyclist fled east and was soon arrested by police.
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The first shooting injured two men, both in their 40s, who were taken to nearby hospitals in serious condition, Magen David Adom paramedics said.
A crazy documentary of the elimination on Route 443 near Ben Shemen Forest: A scooter with 2 passengers opens fire on the jeep.
2 dead and 2 more seriously injured.
Madness in the heart of the country, surrounded by innocent drivers.
All-time murder record. Ben Gvir’s era at its peak. pic.twitter.com/jrxih4nnfs
— Josh Breiner (@JoshBreiner) October 15, 2025
The police opened an investigation into the incident and, based on initial findings, announced that it was related to a violent clash in the Arab sector. Those involved reportedly belonged to rival factions of the Lod-based Abu Qatifan crime family.
Police closed Route 443 to traffic in both directions and cordoned off the scene of the shooting. The investigation has been entrusted to the Central District Police Investigation and Intelligence Unit.
Israeli police chief Danny Levy made his way to the scene of the incident, which was unusual for Israel’s top official.
Arab communities in Israel have been plagued by increasing violent crime for years. Since the beginning of the year, 204 Arab citizens have been violently killed, the vast majority in shootings.
A 35-year-old school security guard was shot dead in the northern town of Kafr Yasif early Wednesday morning.
The victim, named by Arab media as Nidal Masada, 35, was found by paramedics in critical condition and taken to the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya, where he was pronounced dead.
Another person, a man in his 70s, was moderately injured in the shooting. He was taken to hospital and treated for his injuries.
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