Multiple bus explosions rocked Central Israel, police said and described it as a “suspected terror attack,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold a security meeting.
No casualties were reported, with additional explosives found on two other buses, prompting authorities to request public vigilance.
“Preliminary report – Suspected terror attack. Multiple reports have been received of explosions involving several buses at different locations in Bat Yam,” the police said in a statement, AP news reported.
The incidents occurred shortly after Hamas returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages from Gaza, marking the first of eight deceased hostages expected to be returned during the current ceasefire period.
The bus detonations brought back memories of the Palestinian uprising in the 2000s, though such incidents are now uncommon.
According to Channel 13 TV, police representativea Asi Aharoni confirmed the discovery of explosives on two additional buses. Officials reported that all five bombs were similar, featuring timing devices, and bomb disposal teams were neutralising the unexploded devices.
Following a comprehensive search of buses and trains across the country for additional explosives, bomb disposal teams completed their work. Police forces were conducting investigations in Bat Yam, a locality near Tel Aviv, in pursuit of suspects.
Police spokesperson Haim Sargrof informed Israeli TV that investigations were underway to establish whether a lone individual planted explosives across multiple buses or if several perpetrators were involved.
Law enforcement mobilised in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, searching for perpetrators. Police spokesman Haim Sargrof confirmed the completion of security scans across all buses and trains, whilst investigating whether one or multiple suspects were involved.
Bat Yam’s mayor, Tzvika Brot, noted the fortunate absence of injuries, explaining the buses were empty in a car park. He mentioned that bomb disposal units were addressing an unexploded device in nearby Holon.
Sargrof identified similarities between these explosives and those typically found in the West Bank, without providing additional details.
Following Hamas’ October 7 attack, Israeli forces have consistently conducted operations against suspected Palestinian militants in the West Bank, implementing strict entry restrictions for Palestinians from the occupied areas.
Since January 19, when the Gaza ceasefire began, Israel has intensified its military campaign against Palestinian militants in the West Bank. Historical incidents include militants entering Israel to conduct attacks in urban areas.
Meanwhile, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu will hold a security meeting following a series of blasts on public buses in central Israel, his office said in a statement on Thursday.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been receiving ongoing updates from his military secretary on the IED incidents in the Dan (central) area and will soon hold a security assessment,” the statement said after Israel police reported explosions on three buses and two additional devices being defused.
