Bat Yam, Israel – A series of explosions on three parked buses rocked Bat Yam, a city near Tel Aviv, on Thursday in what authorities suspect was a militant attack. No injuries were reported, but the blasts raised concerns over security as Israel continues its ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Explosives Found on Multiple Buses
Israeli police discovered two additional explosive devices on other buses that failed to detonate. The bombs were identical, equipped with timers, and appeared to be professionally assembled, police spokesman Asi Aharoni told Channel 13 TV. Bomb squads quickly defused the unexploded devices.
The Shin Bet internal security agency has taken over the investigation, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being regularly briefed on the developments. Police spokesman Haim Sargrof noted that the explosives bore similarities to devices used in the West Bank, though he declined to provide further details.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are investigating whether a single suspect was responsible for planting the bombs or if it was a coordinated attack involving multiple perpetrators. The burned-out remains of the buses have been thoroughly examined by forensic teams searching for clues.
The head of the bus company, Ofir Karni, said that all buses in the fleet were temporarily halted for inspections before being allowed to resume normal service. Bat Yam Mayor Tzvika Brot called it a “miracle” that no one was harmed, as the buses had already completed their routes when the explosions occurred.
Potential Links to West Bank Militants
A group claiming to be affiliated with Hamas’ Qassam Brigades in the West Bank city of Tulkarem posted a message on Telegram, vowing to “take vengeance for our martyrs”, though they did not explicitly claim responsibility for the attack.
Israel’s military has intensified its security operations in the West Bank following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, conducting frequent raids on suspected militants. In response to Thursday’s explosions, the Israeli military imposed restrictions on Palestinian movement and sealed off certain areas of the West Bank.
Calls for Vigilance
Despite heightened security concerns, Mayor Brot urged Bat Yam residents to continue their daily routines while remaining alert. Schools will remain open on Friday, and public transport services are expected to operate as usual.
This attack comes on a day of national mourning, as Hamas returned the bodies of four hostages as part of a ceasefire deal. The bus bombings serve as a stark reminder of the deadly attacks that occurred during the Palestinian uprising in the 2000s, though such incidents have become far less common in recent years.
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