A large-scale bomb attack was thwarted last night (Thursday) in Bat Yam, where three bombs exploded in buses across two separate parking lots, but remarkably, there were no casualties. Multiple police forces rushed to the scenes to investigate and track down possible suspects. In a stroke of luck, a fourth bomb was discovered in a bus near Wolfson Hospital in Holon and successfully neutralized.
The explosions, which occurred within minutes of each other, targeted buses at two locations in Bat Yam: one at the Bat Yam Country Stadium parking lot and another on Ha’amal Street, just a few hundred meters away. The authorities reported that no one was harmed, largely due to the vigilance of a female passenger who noticed a suspicious object and alerted the bus driver. The driver then evacuated the bus just in time before the bomb detonated.
Fourth Bomb Found and Disarmed
A fourth bomb, weighing around 5 kilograms, was found in a bus in a parking lot near Wolfson Hospital in Holon. Written on the bomb in Arabic was the phrase "Revenge from Tulkarm." The Hamas military wing in Tulkarm later hinted at responsibility for the attack, citing Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operations in the region. "The revenge of the martyrs will not be forgotten as long as the occupier is present on our land," the Hamas Tulkarm Brigades stated.
The investigation is ongoing, with the Shin Bet tracking down the perpetrators. According to Tel Aviv District Commander Major Haim Sargaroff, the bombs included timers and were described as "non-standard," suitable for the regions affected by recent tensions.
The IDF, in cooperation with the Shin Bet and Israel Police, is stepping up its activities in Judea and Samaria, with Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasizing that terrorist infrastructures in refugee camps will be dismantled, as part of Operation Iron Wall.
National Security Measures Strengthened
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the IDF to carry out a "powerful operation" in Judea and Samaria against terrorist centers and bolstered preventive activities in Israeli cities. Roadblocks were set up in Judea and Samaria to control access and support the investigation. Three battalions have been deployed to reinforce security measures and expand offensive operations.
Public Transport Suspended Nationwide
Following the bombings, buses and trains across the country were halted for safety scans. Minister of Transport Miri Regev called for the halt and inspection of all public transport to ensure safety. In Bat Yam, light rail operations were also temporarily suspended, and the Bat Yam municipality worked alongside police and emergency teams to ensure no further threats.
Mayor Zvika Brut reassured the public, confirming that emergency teams were on the ground and taking necessary precautions. "The circumstances are still under investigation," he said, urging residents to avoid the area.
The authorities noted that the quick response of bus passengers and the early detection of suspicious devices helped prevent any casualties. While the attacks targeted public transportation, the authorities' swift actions have A Narrow Escape from Disaster
The bombings in Bat Yam are a chilling reminder of the ongoing threats faced by Israel. While no lives were lost, the attack highlights the need for continued vigilance and counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
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