Egypt Daily News – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday called on the army, police, and Shin Bet to launch an “intensive operation against terror hubs” in the West Bank following a series of bus explosions that occurred on Thursday evening in Bat Yam, central Israel, according to a government source.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz was quick to accuse “Palestinian terrorist organizations” of being behind the attacks. In the same context, the police confirmed in a statement that they had deployed significant reinforcements to search for suspects involved in the attack.
Following a series of explosions that targeted several buses in the city of Bat Yam, central Israel, on Thursday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday ordered a “intensive operation against terror hubs” in the West Bank, according to a government source.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz attributed the explosions to “Palestinian terrorist organizations,” while Prime Minister Netanyahu called for an urgent security meeting.
A government source posted on the X platform that Netanyahu “ordered the Israeli Defense Forces to carry out an intensive operation against terror hubs” in the West Bank. He also directed the police and Shin Bet (internal intelligence) to “increase preventive measures” against such attacks following a security meeting.
Israeli authorities stated that explosive devices detonated on Thursday night in several buses in Bat Yam, in what was described as a “potential terrorist attack.” Although no injuries were reported, the military decided to “intensify its operations” in the occupied West Bank.
A police statement included: “Preliminary report: suspected terrorist attack. Multiple reports have been received of explosions affecting several buses in different locations in Bat Yam.”
Timer Device
A police spokesperson confirmed that “these are similar explosive devices equipped with a timer. Three have detonated, while the locations of two others have been identified and efforts are underway to neutralize them.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office announced that he had received briefings on the explosions and held a security assessment meeting.
According to the police spokesperson, three explosive devices detonated on buses, while two others were being dismantled. The police stated that significant reinforcements had been deployed to search for suspects behind the attack.
The statement added, “Police bomb disposal units are searching for additional suspicious objects. We urge the public to avoid affected areas and remain alert for any suspicious items.”
Bat Yam Mayor Tzvika Brot stated that “no injuries” resulted from the explosions. Footage broadcast by Israeli television channels showed a burned-out bus and another engulfed in flames.
Israeli media reports indicated that authorities had instructed bus drivers across the country to stop and inspect their buses for potential explosive devices. Central Israel Police Chief Chaim Sargarov stated on television that the explosives used in these attacks were similar to those found in the West Bank, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967.
