Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the military to launch an “intensive” security operation in the West Bank following a series of explosions on three buses near Tel Aviv. The blasts, which occurred at bus depots, caused no casualties, but authorities described them as an attempted mass attack. The Israeli police and Shin Bet intelligence agency are actively investigating the incident, searching for suspects, and warning the public to remain alert.
Preliminary reports indicate that the explosions were caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) with timers, similar to the deadly bus bombings during the Palestinian uprising in the early 2000s. While no group has claimed responsibility, the military has intensified counter-terrorism operations in the West Bank, restricting movement in specific areas. This comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations targeting suspected militants in the region, which have led to the displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians.
The attacks occur against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which has held since January 19 despite mutual accusations of violations. On the same day as the bus explosions, Hamas returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages. Tensions remain high as Israel continues security crackdowns in both the West Bank and Gaza.
