2 days ago
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Three buses have exploded in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, in what Israeli police are treating as a suspected terror attack. Authorities confirmed that devices placed in two additional buses failed to detonate.
Israeli police stated that “large police forces are at the scenes, searching for suspects.” The explosions prompted Transport Minister Miri Regev to order a temporary halt to all bus, train, and light rail operations nationwide to allow for security checks, according to local media reports.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded swiftly, instructing the Israeli military to launch “an intensive operation against centres of terrorism” in the West Bank. His office also directed the police and Israel Security Agency to “increase preventative activity against additional attacks in Israeli cities.”
As of now, there have been no reports of casualties. However, police remain on high alert. Social media footage captured the dramatic aftermath, showing at least one bus engulfed in flames with thick smoke billowing above.
Police spokesperson Aryeh Doron confirmed that officers are continuing their search for additional explosive devices in Tel Aviv. “Our forces are still scouring the area,” Doron told Channel 12, urging the public to remain vigilant for any “suspected bag or object.” He added, “We may be lucky if indeed the terrorists set these timers to the wrong hour. But it’s too early to determine.”
Local media reports suggest that one of the unexploded devices, weighing 5kg, carried a message reading “Revenge from Tulkarem,” referencing a recent Israeli military counter-terrorism operation in the West Bank.
In light of the attack, Transport Minister Miri Regev has cut short her trip to Morocco and is set to return to Israel. Security measures have been heightened across the country as authorities work to prevent further incidents.
Melissa Enoch
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