Multiple bus explosions in the Tel Aviv area have prompted Israel to go on high alert and suspend all buses and trains nationwide. The incidents occurred on Thursday night, with three buses exploding in parking lots in Bat Yam and Holon cities.
The Israeli authorities believe the blasts may be part of a coordinated terrorist attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the military to carry out “a massive operation” in the West Bank targeting militant hubs. He has also ordered increased security measures in major cities.
Unexploded bombs were found in nearby parking lots, and additional security patrols have been deployed throughout Bat Yam. However, the city’s routine continues as usual, with schools and activities unaffected for now.
The blasts come amid tensions between Israel and Hamas, with a fragile truce near its end. Four coffins containing hostages’ remains, including two children, were released on Thursday but only three bodies matched the identified remains of hostages taken during a Hamas-led attack in October 2023.
The attempted bus attacks may undermine efforts to negotiate the next phase of the cease-fire. The Israeli military has been conducting raids in the West Bank since late January, displacing around 40,000 Palestinians and killing dozens.
Defense Minister Israel Katz has vowed to intensify operations against militants and destroy terror infrastructure, warning that those providing cover for terrorism will face severe consequences.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/20/world/middleeast/bus-explosions-israel-tel-aviv.html