Israeli drivers are giving up on using Route 443 by the masses as the highway has become the center point of stone and Molotov cocktail throwing by Palestinians. 

Every day, tens of thousands use the major highway, which separates Jerusalem from central Israel. But with the increased attacks in recent months, a disaster is just a matter of time. 

Dashcam footage that circulated on social media this week showed an Israeli vehicle driving on Route 443, when a Molotov cocktail was hurled onto the street, missing the car by an inch. 

Data obtained by Israel Hayom showed that from the beginning of 2023, a shocking 50 cases were reported on the highway. The actual number is most likely even higher as not every case is reported. 

The most recent incident occurred on Thursday, when Palestinians threw rocks at an Israeli driver, who was lightly injured, but, thankfully, managed to maintain control of the car. 

What complicates matters is that security in the area is lacking as the IDF only operates one squadron, which is abysmally little compared to the manpower it uses for the same areas territory-wise in Judea and Samaria.

Oftentimes, these units are underequipped and undertrained in tackling terrorism. Most recently, Israel Hayom learned that officers are not even equipped with bulletproof vests, which makes pursuing a suspect in nearby Palestinian villages almost impossible. 

Source - Israel Hayom/Twitter - Image - Yannis Behrakis/Reuters