Israeli Police Report Explosions on Buses in Suspected Militant Attack

Israeli police reported a series of explosions on buses in central Israel on Thursday, describing it as a suspected militant attack. No injuries were reported.

Security forces were deployed to the scene in Bat Yam, a Tel Aviv suburb, as authorities searched for suspects. Bomb disposal units were also sweeping the area for additional explosive devices.

Why It Matters

The explosions occurred hours after Hamas released the bodies of four Israeli hostages in Gaza, including the three remaining members of the Bibas family. The incident marks one of the most significant security threats inside Israel since Hamas' October 7 attack, which triggered a major Israeli military response in Gaza.

Hamas-led militants abducted 251 hostages, including about 30 children, in the October attack, in which they also killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

The war, now in its second year, has killed over 46,000 people in Gaza, according to the local Health Ministry. In January, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire to temporarily halt the fighting. However, efforts to end the conflict have remained fraught, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump warned that military operations in Gaza would resume unless all hostages were released.

What To Know

Israeli Police Spokesperson's Unit said in a statement that bombs detonated on at least two buses, both of which were empty and parked at separate locations roughly 500 meters apart.

"Multiple reports have been received of explosions involving several buses at different locations in Bat Yam. Large police forces are at the scenes, searching for suspects. Police bomb disposal units are scanning for additional suspicious objects," said Police spokesman Asi Aharoni to Israeli media.

The explosions triggered an immediate police response, with officers and bomb disposal units combing the scene for evidence. The Israel Security Agency, known as the Shin Bet, has taken over the investigation, and police have urged the public to remain vigilant.

Tzvika Brot, mayor of Bat Yam, said it was a miracle no one was hurt. The buses had finished their routes and were in a parking lot, he said.

Since the ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza took effect in January, Israel has been conducting a broad military offensive in the West Bank. In the past, militants have entered Israel and carried out shootings and bombings in Israeli cities.

Israel has repeatedly carried out military raids on suspected Palestinian militants in the occupied West Bank since the October 7 attack. As part of that crackdown, it has greatly restricted entry into Israel for Palestinians from the occupied territory.

What People Are Saying

Haim Sargrof, police spokesman, told Israeli TV: "We need to determine if a single suspect placed explosives on a number of buses, or if there were multiple suspects."

Tzvika Brot, mayor of Bat Yam, told Channel 13 TV: "Keep your routines at school, with public transportation, but with heightened awareness."

Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, on the release of the hostages' bodies, wrote on X: "On behalf of the State of Israel, I bow my head and ask for forgiveness—forgiveness for not protecting you on that terrible day, forgiveness for not bringing you home safely."

What Happens Next

Bat Yam's mayor Tzvika Brot urged the public to keep their routines. Schools will be open tomorrow and public transport will be operating. The bus explosions were reminiscent of bombings during the Palestinian uprising of the 2000s, but such attacks are now rare.

Reporting by The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Update 02/20/25 5:19 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.