Watch: Driver caught at 201 km/h, turned off lights to evade police

Traffic police officers and the jeep unit were deployed on Highway 60 in the south, both openly and covertly, as part of an operation targeting speeding and drivers fleeing from police. During the operation, officers measured a driver traveling at 201 km/h in a 90 km/h zone and signaled him to stop. In response, the driver attempted to flee by turning off the vehicle's lights. An officer approached the car, drawing his sidearm and a flashlight, and forced the driver to stop.

Upon inspection, it was determined that the driver is a 19-year-old resident of the southern region and a new driver. He was transferred for questioning at the Be'er Sheva police station and was remanded into custody. The Be'er Sheva court subsequently extended his detention until further notice.

In an official statement, the police spokesperson noted:

"The National Traffic Police (Negev unit), in cooperation with the jeep unit (Ayarot), were deployed on Highway 60 in the south during an operation against excessive speeds and fugitives. At midnight, officers measured a vehicle at 201 km/h and signaled the driver to stop. The driver attempted to flee the scene and turned off the vehicle's lights. An officer approached the driver, aiming his weapon and flashlight at the vehicle until the driver complied and stopped."

As part of an ongoing effort to curb road fatalities, a joint operation between the Traffic Division and the National Road Safety Authority is currently underway. Operation 'Committed to Life' is a comprehensive national program that has increased the number of traffic patrols operating on Israel's roads.