Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the military to launch an intensified operation in the West Bank following a series of explosions on buses near Tel Aviv on Thursday. The incident, which Israeli authorities have labeled an attempted mass attack, has heightened security concerns, although no casualties have been reported.
According to Israeli police, three buses in two suburbs outside Tel Aviv were targeted. A total of four explosive devices were discovered, and investigations are underway. Reports indicate that the blasts occurred at bus depots, where the vehicles were unoccupied at the time.
The explosions serve as a stark reminder of the deadly bus bombings of the early 2000s, a period marked by frequent attacks during the Palestinian uprising. However, such incidents have become rare in recent years. The Israeli military, police, and Shin Bet intelligence agency are working together to determine the origins of the attack and identify potential suspects.
Following an emergency meeting with the defense minister, military chief, Shin Bet head, and police commissioner, Netanyahu’s office announced an intensified counter-terrorism effort in the West Bank. In response, Israeli security forces blocked entry points in certain areas as part of an ongoing military campaign aimed at neutralizing militant threats.
Over the past month, Israel’s military operations in the West Bank have escalated, resulting in mass displacements of Palestinian residents and the demolition of homes and infrastructure. These actions have drawn international scrutiny.
The bus bombings occur amid a tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which has held since January 19, despite repeated allegations of violations from both sides. In a separate development, Hamas handed over the bodies of four hostages on Thursday, further complicating the already fragile situation.
Israeli authorities continue to search for suspects, urging the public to remain on high alert while investigations into the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) with timers are underway. Meanwhile, security forces remain on standby for potential escalations in the region.
