A 46-year-old Jenin resident, identified as Tarek Jarrar, was arrested after police say he stole a car belonging to Tel Aviv District Court Judge Alaa Masarwa and led officers on a pursuit north on the Ayalon Highway. Body-worn camera footage shows officers breaking the driver’s window to remove him after he failed to follow orders at a checkpoint. Jarrar, reportedly staying in Israel without a permit, denies knowing the car was stolen and says someone else gave or sold it to him; he faces multiple charges and his detention was extended to September 8, 2026 while investigations continue.
Jenin Man Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Tel Aviv Judge's Car, Leading to Highway Chase
Illustration image of handcuffs on the hands of an arrested man, in Jerusalem, May 21, 2025. (photo credit: YOSSI ZAMIR/FLASH90)
A 46-year-old man from Jenin was arrested Sunday after police say he stole a vehicle belonging to Tel Aviv District Court Judge Alaa Masarwa and led officers on a pursuit northbound on the Ayalon Highway.
The Incident
Shortly after the car was reported stolen, officers from the Tel Aviv North police station located the vehicle heading north on the Ayalon Highway. Colleagues from the Glilot station were summoned to prepare a roadblock on Highway 5.
Police allege the driver — later identified as 46-year-old Tarek Jarrar, a Jenin resident reportedly staying in Israel without a permit — failed to comply with orders at a police checkpoint, struck another vehicle and continued driving. Officers pursued the car until they were able to bring it to a halt.
Israeli police tape. (credit: Eitan Elhadez/TPS)
Arrest and Evidence
Body-worn camera footage released by police shows officers approaching the stopped vehicle and issuing commands. When the driver did not respond, officers broke the driver’s side window and removed him from the car. He was then formally identified as Tarek Jarrar.
Police say they recovered the vehicle and returned it to Judge Masarwa (photo credit: Eitan Elhadez/TPS). Authorities have opened an active investigation into the alleged theft and the subsequent chase.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Jarrar is suspected of vehicle theft, intentionally damaging a vehicle, driving without a license and driving without insurance. At a detention-extending hearing in the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court, Judge Ravit Peleg Bar Dayan extended his detention until September 8, 2026 while the investigation continues.
Defense Account
During questioning and at the hearing, Jarrar’s defense attorney said the defendant entered Israel to look for work amid financial hardship affecting his family in Jenin. The defense maintains that another person gave or sold the car to Jarrar and that he did not know it was stolen. The attorney also requested a psychiatric evaluation for his client.
Investigation Status: Police say inquiries are ongoing. No details have been released about potential accomplices or the person who allegedly transferred the vehicle to Jarrar.
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