The Israeli security services on Friday convicted Palestinian terrorist groups for a coordinated bus bombing at Bat Yam, the southern suburb of Tel Aviv. Three buses were destroyed, and a fourth bomb was defined on Thursday night, although there were no casualties.
The attacks in a large -scale Russian -speaking city, Bat Yam were caught in the video, having havoc due to buses parked at various depots. Israeli media reported that the bombs were given time for the crowd time on Friday morning, but local time could explode before the night. Mayor Tzavika Breet described the result as a “miracle” that no one was injured.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katj immediately indicated fingers on West Bank militants and ordered the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to intensify operations in Palestinian refugee camps, especially in Tulram. “I have instructed the Israeli defense forces to increase the intensity of activity to thwart terrorism at Tulakaram refugee camps and in refugee camps in Juda and Samaria.”
Bus bomb blasts miss an engagement of previous conflicts, especially the second INTIFDA (2000–2005) when Palestinian suicidal attackers often targeted Israeli citizens. However, in recent years, the resurrection of such attacks, has raised concerns about the possible violence. The last major bus bombing in Israel took place in November 2022, when two bombings at Jerusalem bus stops killed two people.
The bomb blasts come against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has greatly influenced both the West Bank and Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas started a cruel attack from more than 1,200 Israeli, the IDF conducted widespread operations in the West Bank. The Israeli army is targeting the Palestinian terrorist network, displacing thousands of people from refugee camps in Genin, Tulram and other cities.
The Israeli media cited an anonymous security officer claimed that the bombs were set to target the morning passengers, suggesting that premature explosion could have achieved more tragic results. Police said the defused bomb weighed five kilograms.
In response to Thursday’s events, the Israeli government ordered an immediate stop for public transport, while buses and vehicles across the country were discovered for additional explosive equipment. Defense officials have expressed concern that attacks indicate widespread efforts by militants to destabilize public places in Israeli cities.
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The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has also expressed serious concern over the attacks, indicating that the government will take decisive action. His spokesperson said in a statement, “Prime Minister Netanyahu watched the incident of placing bombs on buses with great seriousness, and would order a strong action.” Netanyahu’s government has already been under rapid pressure as it navigates military reactions to Hamas, facing criticism on dealing with internal security.
Israeli police officers inspect the scene where the police have reported a series of blasts in buses, which they said that a terrorist attack took place on Bat Yama, Central Israel, Thursday 20 February 2025. There was no injury. (AP)
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks, although Hamas’s military wing, Tulramam Battalion released a statement on its Telegram Channel, earned vengeance for the Palestinians killed in the operation of Israel. The statement said, “We will never forget taking vengeance for our martyrs.”
Bomb blasts occurred in Gaza recently between Israel and Hamas between a delicate ceasefire. Since a temporary stagnation in Gaza’s enmity, Israeli operations in the West Bank have intensified, with IDF raids target militant strongholds. In the last few months, according to local sources, hundreds of West Bank Palestinians have been killed.
Since Israeli security forces have continued their operations in the West Bank and investigated Thursday’s bombing, the attack reminds of the ongoing instability in the region. The public transport bomb blast, once near the last rebellion, had often reduced in recent years. However, re -emergence of such attacks, especially in urban areas with heavy population, has renewed the apprehensions about safety in public places in Israel.
(With input from agencies)
