A series of explosions set fire to three buses in the Israeli city of Bat Yam late Thursday in what authorities are calling a suspected terrorist attack. Two additional explosive devices were discovered on other buses before they could detonate, police said.
No injuries or fatalities were reported, as the buses were unoccupied and parked at a depot when the blasts occurred. However, Israeli security forces have launched an extensive investigation, warning the public to remain vigilant.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz accused Palestinian militant groups of orchestrating the attack and ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to escalate counterterrorism operations in the West Bank.
“We will hunt down the terrorists to the bitter end and destroy the terror infrastructure in the camps used as frontline posts of the Iranian evil axis,” Katz said in a statement.
Footage from the scene showed thick black smoke rising as flames consumed the buses. Authorities believe the explosives were equipped with timers and intended to detonate during peak travel hours.
Police Commander Haim Sargarof said the devices used in the attack were similar to those previously found in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. A large-scale security sweep is underway, with officers searching for additional explosives and suspects.
“This is an ongoing security event,” police spokesperson Aryeh Doron said in a televised briefing. “We urge the public to remain alert for any suspicious objects.”
One of the undetonated bombs was reportedly found by a passenger, who alerted the driver to a suspicious bag.
Eyewitnesses described the panic following the explosions.
“We heard an explosion, then another,” said Ayala, a resident living nearby. “At first, we didn’t understand what was happening. Then ambulances arrived, and we realized it was a terror attack.”
Another witness, Yossi, who was on an evening walk when the blasts occurred, said, “I felt a tremor and then heard a massive explosion. I stepped outside and saw smoke rising. It was terrifying.”
Authorities have increased security across the Tel Aviv area and are working to determine who was behind the attack.
