Police Report Three Bus Explosions in Israel in 'Suspected Terror Attack

Three empty buses exploded on the southern outskirts of Tel Aviv in what Israeli police have described as a “suspected terror attack.” The incident occurred Thursday night in Bat Yam, a city located just south of Tel Aviv, where the buses were parked. Fortunately, no one was injured, as the buses were unoccupied at the time of the explosions.

According to Israeli authorities, two other explosive devices that had been placed on separate buses failed to detonate. Local reports indicate that one of the unexploded devices contained a message referencing “revenge” for a recent Israeli military raid on a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. This message has led to speculation that the blasts could be in retaliation for the ongoing Israeli operations in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in response to the explosions, ordered the military to intensify operations against what he described as “centers of terrorism” in the West Bank. The explosions have further escalated tensions in an already volatile region. Social media footage of the attack showed at least one bus engulfed in flames, with thick plumes of black smoke rising into the air. The images captured the severity of the situation, even though the attack occurred when the buses were not in use.

Shortly after the explosions, police spokesperson Aryeh Doron addressed the public, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious items or bags. Doron noted that the possibility that the terrorists had set the timers of the explosive devices incorrectly might have played a role in preventing further damage. However, he cautioned that it was too early to draw definitive conclusions about the specifics of the timing or the attackers’ intentions.

In another televised briefing, Police Commander Haim Sargarof stated that the explosive devices used in the Bat Yam attack appeared to be similar to those found in the West Bank, where Israel has been conducting numerous military raids against Palestinian militant groups. The similarities between the devices suggested a potential connection to the ongoing unrest in the West Bank, where Israeli forces have been focused on targeting militant cells, particularly in areas like Tulkarm and Jenin.

One of the unexploded devices found at the scene weighed around 5 kilograms (approximately 11 pounds) and carried a message reading “Revenge from Tulkarm.” This is believed to reference a recent Israeli military raid on a refugee camp in northern West Bank, particularly in the Tulkarm area, which has been a focal point of military activity in recent months. The region has seen repeated clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, contributing to heightened tensions and violence.

In the wake of the explosions, the Palestinian militant group Tulkarm Brigade released a statement, which did not explicitly claim responsibility for the attack but made a pointed remark: “Revenge for the martyrs will not be forgotten as long as the occupier sits on our land.” This statement alluded to the ongoing Israeli military presence in the West Bank and expressed continued resentment and calls for retaliation. The phrase “martyrs” often refers to Palestinians who have died during clashes with Israeli forces or in the context of Israeli operations.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been engaged in a prolonged campaign in the West Bank, targeting militant groups and individuals suspected of planning or carrying out attacks against Israeli targets. Over the past several months, the Israeli military has increased its presence in areas like Tulkarm and Jenin, leading to numerous raids and operations aimed at disrupting militant activity. These operations have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians, contributing to a deeply polarized and volatile situation.

As Israel continues to confront these challenges, the explosion in Bat Yam serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension between Israeli forces and Palestinian militant groups. It also underscores the continued instability in the region, with acts of retaliation, such as the Bat Yam bombing, reflecting the broader conflict between Israel and Palestinian factions in the West Bank. The incident has left the public on edge, with authorities warning that further violence could follow as the situation unfolds.