Bat Yam (Israel), Feb 21: Central Israel was shaken by a series of explosions targeting three parked buses, prompting authorities to suspect a militant attack. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The blasts occurred on a day when the nation was already in mourning, following Hamas’s return of four hostages’ bodies from Gaza under a ceasefire agreement. The bus explosions evoked memories of bombings from the Palestinian uprising in the 2000s, an era when such incidents were more common.
Police spokesman Asi Aharoni shared with Channel 13 TV that explosives were also discovered on two additional buses, although they did not detonate. Authorities reported that five identical bombs equipped with timers were involved, with bomb squads working to disarm the unexploded devices.
Investigators in protective gear were seen searching the charred remains of the buses, which erupted in flames in a Bat Yam parking lot, located just outside Tel Aviv. Mayor Tzvika Brot expressed gratitude that no one was injured, noting the buses had been parked after completing their routes.
Ofir Karni, the head of the bus company, stated that all drivers were immediately instructed to halt operations and conduct thorough inspections, with services resuming only after safety was confirmed.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly monitoring the situation via his military secretary, while the Shin Bet internal security agency has initiated an investigation, according to police officials.
“We need to ascertain whether a single individual placed explosives on multiple buses or if several suspects were involved,” police spokesman Haim Sargrof explained on Israeli television.
Sargrof also mentioned that the explosives used in the attack matched those commonly found in the West Bank, although he refrained from providing further details.
Since the outbreak of the conflict following Hamas’s assault on October 7, 2023, Israeli military forces have intensified their raids on suspected Palestinian militants in the West Bank, significantly restricting Palestinian access to Israel.
A group claiming to be a division of Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, from the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem, announced on the messaging platform Telegram: “We will not forget to seek revenge for our martyrs as long as the occupation persists.” However, they did not claim direct involvement in the bus attack.
Tulkarem and its two refugee camps have been key targets of Israel’s expanded military operations in the West Bank since the ceasefire in Gaza began on January 19. History has seen militants launch attacks, including shootings and bombings, in Israeli urban areas.
Mayor Brot urged residents to maintain their routines while remaining cautious, confirming to Channel 13 TV that schools would operate normally on Friday and public transport would be running.
