A series of bus explosions rocked central Israel on Thursday evening in what security officials have assessed as a planned terror attack orchestrated by Iran and executed by Hamas operatives in the West Bank. The attack, which targeted multiple buses in Bat Yam, was thwarted largely due to faulty timing mechanisms on the explosives and the vigilance of passengers and security personnel.
The bombs, constructed with non-standard explosive materials such as fertilizer and urea, were intended to detonate during the morning rush hour, with the goal of inflicting mass casualties. However, due to improper detonation settings, the blasts occurred later in the evening when the buses were unoccupied. Despite the lack of casualties, authorities are treating the incident as a significant escalation in Iran-backed terror activities in the region.
Israeli security forces launched an extensive manhunt for the perpetrators while simultaneously conducting sweeps of public transportation networks. Transport Minister Miri Regev ordered the immediate halt of all bus, train, and light rail services for thorough inspections. The Tel Aviv Police District confirmed that additional explosive devices were discovered and safely neutralized, preventing further destruction.
Hamas’s Tulkarm battalion appeared to take credit for the attack, referring to it as part of a “jihad of victory or martyrdom.” The terror group has received direct financial and logistical support from Iran, which has been increasingly active in arming and training operatives within the West Bank. Shin Bet confirmed that Iran has been funneling significant funds into local terror cells, further destabilizing the region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency security meeting and ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to carry out intensified operations against terrorist strongholds in the West Bank. Defense Minister Israel Katz directed the military to deploy additional battalions to counteract further threats, specifically targeting Hamas-affiliated refugee camps known to harbor militants.
The attack occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions following Hamas’s recent release of the bodies of four Israeli hostages. The timing of the bombings has led to suspicions that the incident was not only a direct act of terror but also a calculated message amid ongoing Israeli counterterrorism operations.
Israel’s security forces remain on high alert as investigations continue. The swift response from law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and vigilant citizens prevented what could have been one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent years. Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity, as the threat of further attacks remains imminent.
The incident underscores the persistent danger posed by Iranian-backed terror networks operating in the region and highlights the necessity of continued vigilance and decisive military action to ensure the safety of Israeli civilians.
