Bus explosions in Israeli city – as IDF to step up West Bank operations
Multiple explosions involving buses have been reported near an Israeli city – with the country’s defence minister instructing the IDF to intensify operations in the West Bank in response.
A police spokesperson called the incident in Bat Yam a “suspected terror attack” after receiving “multiple reports” of explosions “involving several buses at different locations” in the city, located south of Tel Aviv.
They said in a statement: “Large police forces are at the scenes, searching for suspects.
“Police bomb disposal units are scanning for additional suspicious objects.
“We urge the public to avoid the areas and remain alert for any suspicious items.”
The police force said on social media that “no injuries have been reported at this stage”. Later they added that the Shin Bet internal security agency was taking over the investigation.
Speaking to local broadcaster Channel 12, an Israeli police official said the bombs used were with a timer and were non-standard explosives.
They added that investigators believe the bombs look similar to those made in the West Bank, but it is not confirmed where they were made.
A group identifying itself as a branch of Qassam Brigades – Hamas’ military wing – from the northern West Bank city Tulkarem later said on Telegram: “We will never forget to take vengeance for our martyrs as long as the occupation is on our lands.”
IDF told ‘intensify’ West Bank operations
It comes as defence minister Israel Katz said he instructed the IDF to “intensify counter-terrorism operations in the Tulkarem refugee camp and throughout refugee camps in the West Bank”.
He added: “We will pursue the terrorists relentlessly and destroy the terror infrastructure in the camps, which serve as a forward base for the Iranian axis of evil.
“Residents who provide shelter and protection to terrorists will pay a heavy price.”
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office added in a statement that he was being updated by his military secretary on the situation, and would soon hold a security assessment.
Israeli police spokesperson Asi Aharoni separately told Channel 13 TV that undetonated explosives were found on two other buses.
Tzvika Brot, mayor of Bat Yam, also called it a miracle that no one was hurt, and said the buses had finished their routes and were in a parking lot.
He said one of the unexploded bombs was being defused in Holon, a town near Bat Yam.
Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on 19 January, the IDF has been conducting a broad military offensive in the West Bank.
Recent raids have targeted Tulkarem and two refugee camps in the city.
