Region | Palestinian Territories

Jerusalem bulldozer drivers live in fear

Palestinian and Jewish bulldozer drivers alike say they live in fear of being mistaken for attackers.

  • Reuters
  • Published: 23:41 July 25, 2008
  • Gulf News

Occupied Jerusalem: Palestinian and Jewish bulldozer drivers alike say they live in fear of being mistaken for attackers.

In less than a month, two Palestinian bulldozer drivers killed three Israelis and injured dozens after rampaging through occupied Jerusalem's busy streets. Both drivers were shot dead.

"People have developed bulldozer-phobia," said Anas, a 23-year-old Palestinian driver who asked to be identified by his first name. "It is better to start looking for a new career."

Bulldozers are common sight across Jerusalem, where a light-rail system and other projects are being built.

For many Palestinians, bulldozers can be a symbol of Israeli occupation. The army uses them in the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank. In occupied Jerusalem, the municipality uses them to demolish homes.

"Now the Palestinians are trying to fight the occupation by using its very tools," Palestinian analyst Hani Al Masri said.

The two strikingly similar bulldozer attacks in Jewish west Jerusalem have stirred Israeli fears that Palestinians in the city could easily strike again.

Many bulldozer drivers say they are afraid to drive to work sites, fearing they will be shot if they get into an accident. "They will think that I am a terrorist and kill me," said Yoram Baliti, a Jewish tractor driver in Jerusalem.

Palestinian bulldozer driver Mahmoud Abu Anas said: "I feel like people are looking at me when I drive. I'm afraid. What if I have an accident. Now I drive much slower."

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