A series of explosions shook the Israeli city of Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, on Thursday evening. Israeli police confirmed that multiple bus explosions occurred in different locations but reported no casualties. Israeli authorities are treating the incident as a major terrorist attack, with investigations underway.
Following the blasts, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a high-level security meeting with the defence minister, army chief, Shin Bet head and police commissioner. He subsequently instructed the military to intensify operations in the West Bank. Netanyahu’s office labelled the explosions an "attempted mass attack," prompting Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz to order escalated raids in refugee camps in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli police stated that three buses were targeted, with four explosive devices found in two Tel Aviv suburbs. According to local media, the explosions occurred in empty buses at a depot. A significant police force has been deployed to search for suspects, while bomb disposal units are scanning for additional threats. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid the affected areas.
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The blasts resemble the deadly bus bombings during the Palestinian uprising of the 2000s, though such attacks are now rare. Television footage showed one bus completely destroyed by fire while another was ablaze. Bat Yam Mayor Tzvika Brot confirmed that two buses in separate parking lots were affected but reiterated that no injuries were reported.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has been conducting a large-scale operation in the West Bank for the past month, citing counterterrorism efforts. Thousands of Palestinians in refugee camps have been displaced, with homes and infrastructure demolished.
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The explosions occurred amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which has been in place since January 19 following 16 months of conflict. Despite mutual accusations of violations, the ceasefire remains intact.