Israeli authorities reported that three empty buses exploded in a suspected terror attack near Tel Aviv on Thursday evening. The explosive devices were planted on the vehicles and detonated in quick succession in the cities of Bat Yam and Holon, south of Israel’s financial center.
No casualties were reported from the explosions, and there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks. In Bat Yam, two blasts occurred after bombs were placed on buses parked in a depot. A third explosion was reported in Holon after an explosive device was planted on a third bus. Additionally, an explosive device that did not detonate was discovered on a fourth bus.
Authorities stated that several suspicious objects were examined, but police bomb disposal units later determined they were not a threat. Police forces and rapid response teams were deployed across Bat Yam and Holon, with bomb disposal experts working to neutralize any explosive devices found. Other buses in the area were being searched to ensure there were no additional threats.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered police and the Israel Security Agency to increase preventative activity against potential further attacks in Israeli cities. As a precaution, bus and train operations were halted across the country following the reports of the explosions. Minister of Transport and Road Safety Miri Regev emphasized the need for all buses, heavy rail trains, and light rail trains to be stopped and inspected according to the guidelines of the Shin Bet (security service) and the police.
