The crash occurred near the Beit HaGadi Junction and the entrance to the agricultural community of Shibolim, close to Netivot. Israel Police launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Magen David Adom medics pronounced the bus driver, a man of about 50, dead at the scene after he was trapped inside the vehicle.
Reports put the number of injured passengers between 24 and 30. A 61-year-old woman suffered multi-system trauma and was listed in serious condition, while a 35-year-old woman sustained limb injuries and was in moderate condition. Another 22 people, including the tractor driver, were lightly injured.
MDA and United Hatzalah first responders provided medical treatment at the crash site before the wounded were taken to hospitals. Ambulances and a rescue helicopter evacuated victims to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba and Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon.
Fire and Rescue services carried out efforts to free passengers who remained trapped inside the bus following the collision.
Emergency personnel continued working at the site as police investigated how the bus and tractor collided. Authorities temporarily closed the westbound lanes of Route 25 and redirected traffic away from the area.
