Israel: Three Buses Explode In Suspected Terror Attack Near Tel Aviv; No Casualties Reported

In what Israeli police suspect was a coordinated terrorist attack, three empty buses exploded in rapid succession on Thursday (20 February) night in the Tel Aviv suburbs of Bat Yam and Holon.

According to a report by The Times of Israel, there were no casualties reported.

Authorities neutralised two additional explosive devices on nearby buses, preventing further destruction.

Israeli police swiftly launched an extensive search for suspects and other potential explosive devices, while bomb disposal teams scoured the vicinity.

Each device reportedly contained five kilograms of explosives.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was kept informed throughout the night and subsequently ordered a large-scale military operation in the West Bank, targeting suspected terrorist strongholds.

His office confirmed that he had instructed the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to intensify operations against terrorist hubs while directing security agencies to enhance preventative measures in Israeli cities.

Defence Minister Israel Katz also called for an escalation of counterterrorism efforts.

"In light of the severe terror attack attempts [in the Tel Aviv area] by Palestinian terror organisations against the civilian population in Israel, I instructed the IDF to increase the intensity of the counterterrorism activity in the Tulkarm refugee camp, and all the refugee camps in Judea and Samaria," he stated.

Authorities suspect the bombs were set to detonate during peak hours on Friday morning, potentially targeting crowded buses.

However, an error in the timers caused them to explode prematurely. Former IDF operations chief Giora Eiland speculated that the timers were incorrectly configured.

The Bat Yam Municipality described the timing as a "miracle," stating that the buses had returned to the parking lot just before the explosions occurred.

Security has been heightened nationwide, including at Ben Gurion Airport and on Jerusalem’s light rail.

Bus drivers have been instructed to inspect their vehicles before commencing their routes.

The attacks have further intensified Israel's military activity in the northern West Bank, with the IDF deploying additional battalions and sealing off multiple checkpoints.

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