Israeli security forces at the scene of a possible bus bombing, in Bat Yam, central Israel, February 20, 2025. (Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
Three explosive devices detonated Thursday night on three parked buses in different locations in Bat Yam.
The first two explosions occurred within minutes of each other, and another device exploded about 15 minutes later. An additional explosive device, which was also set to detonate, was discovered on a bus and neutralized. No casualties were reported as a result of the explosions. A manhunt is underway for one of the suspects.
Police estimate that the bombs were intended to explode during morning hours. Each device weighed about five kilograms and was locally manufactured. The explosives contained a timer mechanism similar to those seen in the West Bank. Security officials believe that the devices were planted by terrorists from the West Bank.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting with the defense minister, the IDF chief of staff, the head of the Shin Bet, and the Police commissioner. His office announced that he had instructed the IDF to carry out a significant operation against terrorist hubs in the West Bank and directed the police and Shin Bet to intensify preventative actions against further attacks. Three IDF battalions were deployed to the West Bank.
Passenger Warned About a Suspicious Object – Bus Evacuated Before Explosion
The Tel Aviv District Police commander criticized the Shin Bet, stating, “The organization [Shin Bet] is supposed to prevent attacks. How did this happen? We will ask the Shin Bet.”
Police spokesperson Aryeh Doron said on Kan Reshet Bet, “It’s a miracle; this could have been a major attack.”
Mahmoud Issawi, an eyewitness, described the incident saying, “I heard a loud explosion, went outside, and saw a bus on fire. At first, I thought it was an electric bus, but given the intensity of the explosion, that didn’t make sense. It was an insane explosion.”
Ophir Karni, CEO of the Dan Bus Company, told Kan News, “The incident began around 8:00 PM when the terminal manager received a call from a driver near the terminal. A passenger on the bus pointed out a suspicious bag, and the driver was instructed to head to the terminal immediately. When he arrived, the shift manager told him to evacuate the bus. The explosion occurred just after everyone had moved away.”
Minister of Transport Miri Regev held a situation assessment following the incident and instructed the head of the Public Transportation Authority “to halt and inspect all buses, heavy rail, and light rail systems, and to act according to the directives of the Shin Bet and the police.” Additionally, the minister announced that she would cut short her visit to Morocco and return to Israel as soon as possible.
The Bus Drivers’ Union also directed drivers across the country to stop their routes following the incident: “A thorough inspection of buses must be conducted with maximum vigilance. Any additional unusual event must be reported immediately to security forces,” the organization stated.
Parts of the explosive devices found on the bus in Bat Yam
Police spokesperson Assi Aharoni said in a live broadcast on Kan 11, “There are quite a few warnings; this is a complex security period. There is nothing specific, but there are also many thwarted attacks by the Shin Bet that the public is not aware of.” Police Commissioner, Inspector General Dani Levy, arrived at the scene.
The IDF spokesperson released a statement following the incident: “The IDF, in conjunction with the ISA and the Israel Police, is operating to investigate the IED incident in the city of Bat Yam. Following a situational assessment, the IDF’s counterterrorism operation in Judea and Samaria continues and will be directed according to intelligence findings. The IDF has closed off the entry of certain areas in Judea and Samaria. At the end of the situational assessment, the Chief of the General Staff, LTG. Herzi Halevi, instructed the IDF to assist the Israel Police as necessary and to strengthen activity in the area of the buffer zone.”
Footage from Bat Yam:
הפיצוץ בבת ים | תיעוד@ItayBlumental https://t.co/A29hWgnIbQ pic.twitter.com/gvLwkV1yos
— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) February 20, 2025
Footage from the explosion of the third bus:
שלושה אוטובוסים התפוצצו | תיעוד האוטובוס הנוסף בחניון אחר באזור וולפסון בעיר@hadasgrinberg https://t.co/DXH5IGrBOp pic.twitter.com/tOXWl5LRRP
— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) February 20, 2025
