Multiple Bus Explosions Rock Central Israel
Three parked buses erupted in flames this evening in a city located in central Israel, an incident that police are investigating as a potential terrorist attack. Authorities reported that explosive devices on two additional buses in Bat Yam failed to detonate. The city’s police force stated that a significant number of officers are currently at the scene, actively searching for any suspects involved.
Israeli police have revealed that the five unexploded bombs were uniform in design and equipped with timers, prompting bomb squads to engage in defusing operations. In response to the explosions, Israel’s Transport Minister Miri Regev ordered an immediate halt to all bus, train, and light rail services nationwide. This measure was taken to facilitate thorough checks for any explosive devices, according to local news sources.
In light of the situation, Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to amplify their operations in the West Bank. Police officials have indicated their belief that the explosions are linked to a terrorist plot.
Footage circulating on social media platforms depicts one of the buses engulfed in flames within a parking area, with a thick plume of smoke billowing into the sky. Police spokesperson Aryeh Doron informed Channel 12 that the “event is still ongoing,” with officers working diligently to identify and locate additional bombs in Tel Aviv. Doron emphasized that the public should remain vigilant and report any suspicious bags or objects they may encounter.
“It’s possible we might have been fortunate if the terrorists miscalculated the timers,” he remarked. “However, it is too early to draw any definitive conclusions.” Local media has reported that one of the explosive devices weighed approximately 5 kilograms and included a message stating “Revenge from Tulkarem,” a direct reference to a recent Israeli military counter-terrorism operation conducted in the West Bank.
Investigators clad in white coveralls have been meticulously examining the charred remnants of the buses that were destroyed in the parking lot of Bat Yam, a city situated just outside Tel Aviv. The mayor of Bat Yam, Tzvika Brot, expressed relief that no injuries were reported, noting that the buses had been out of service after completing their routes.
Ofir Karni, the head of the bus company, announced that all bus drivers were promptly instructed to halt operations and perform comprehensive inspections of their vehicles. Normal services resumed once safety was confirmed.
As the situation unfolded, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office reported that he was receiving timely updates from his military secretary and was closely monitoring the developments. The internal security agency, Shin Bet, has taken charge of the investigation, as noted by police officials.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Response
Authorities are now faced with the task of determining whether a single individual placed explosives on multiple buses or if multiple suspects were involved. Police spokesman Haim Sargrof addressed Israeli television, noting that the explosives utilized in this incident resembled those previously found in the West Bank, though he refrained from providing further details.
Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which ignited a catastrophic war in Gaza, Israel’s military has intensified its raids on suspected militant activities in the West Bank. As part of these operations, Israel has significantly restricted access for Palestinians entering Israel from the occupied territories.
In the aftermath of the bus explosions, a group claiming to be associated with Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, based in Tulkarem, issued a statement via the Telegram messaging app. They declared, “We will never forget to take vengeance for our martyrs as long as the occupation remains on our lands.” However, they did not take responsibility for the attacks.
Mayor Tzvika Brot has urged residents to maintain their daily routines while staying vigilant, assuring Channel 13 TV that schools will remain open on Friday and public transportation services will continue to operate.
Additional reporting by AP.
