Three empty buses exploded in Bat Yam, a city on the southern edge of Tel Aviv, in what Israeli police are calling a “suspected terror attack.” The explosions, which occurred on Thursday night, resulted in no casualties, but authorities say two additional explosive devices failed to detonate.
One of the unexploded devices reportedly carried a message of “revenge” in response to a recent Israeli military raid on a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank.
Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military (IDF) to launch an “intensive operation” targeting suspected terror cells in the West Bank.
Explosions Rock Bat Yam: What Happened?
Footage circulating on social media showed at least one of the buses engulfed in flames, with thick smoke rising over the area. The explosions took place in a bus parking lot, rather than a busy public transport hub, reducing the risk of casualties.
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Israeli police spokesperson Aryeh Doron suggested that the attack may have gone wrong, saying:
“We may be lucky if indeed the terrorists set these timers to the wrong hour. But it’s too early to determine.”
Authorities have urged the Israeli public to be on high alert, warning them to report any suspicious bags or objects.
Meanwhile, police commander Haim Sargarof revealed that the explosive devices used in the attack bore a strong resemblance to those found in the West Bank—particularly in areas where the Israeli military has been conducting raids against Palestinian militants.
A Message of “Revenge” From the West Bank?
Local media reported that one of the unexploded devices had a message written on it, reading:
“Revenge from Tulkarm.”
This appears to be a reference to an Israeli military operation carried out recently in Tulkarm, a refugee camp in the northern West Bank. The operation was part of a broader crackdown on Palestinian militant groups, which has intensified in recent months.
Following the attack, the Palestinian militant group Tulkarm Brigade released a statement, saying:
“Revenge for the martyrs will not be forgotten as long as the occupier sits on our land.”
However, the group did not claim direct responsibility for the attack.
Escalating Violence in the West Bank
For months, Israeli forces have been conducting regular raids in the West Bank, particularly in Tulkarm and Jenin, in an effort to suppress Palestinian militant groups.
The Israeli military campaign has resulted in hundreds of Palestinian deaths, fueling anger and calls for retaliation from armed factions.
This latest attack, if confirmed to be terror-related, would mark a significant escalation in the ongoing cycle of violence.
Netanyahu’s Response: A New Military Operation
In the wake of the explosions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to intensify their operations against what he called “centres of terrorism” in the West Bank.
The exact nature of Israel’s response remains unclear, but given the high tension following recent military operations, further raids, arrests, and potential airstrikes on militant targets are possible.
What Comes Next?
With ceasefire negotiations ongoing in Gaza and rising tensions in the West Bank, the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories remains extremely volatile.
- If Israeli security forces confirm that Palestinian militants were responsible for the bus bombings, a major escalation in military activity is likely.
- If the attack was carried out by an unknown third party, Israeli security services may tighten counterterrorism efforts within Israel itself.
- Palestinian armed groups may attempt further attacks in response to Israeli military raids.
As Israel continues its military campaign, Palestinian groups escalate their rhetoric, and ceasefire talks remain fragile, this latest attack threatens to push the conflict into a new and dangerous phase.
