Israel Shaken by 3 Bus Explosions in Suspected Terror Attack Near Tel Aviv
On Thursday evening, February 20, 2025, Israel faced a terrifying scare when three empty buses exploded near Tel Aviv in what authorities are calling a “suspected terror attack.” The explosions, which happened in Bat Yam and Holon, sent shockwaves through the country. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the incident has raised serious concerns about safety and security. Here’s what we know so far about this alarming event.
The chaos started when two bombs went off on buses parked at a depot in Bat Yam, a city just south of Tel Aviv. A third explosion rocked Holon, a nearby town. Police also found an unexploded device on a fourth bus, hinting that the attack could have been even worse. According to a police spokesman, three devices detonated, while two others were safely defused by bomb disposal teams. The buses were empty at the time, a stroke of luck that likely prevented a much bigger tragedy.
Israeli police quickly labeled it a “suspected terror attack” and launched a massive search for the culprits. Television footage showed one bus completely burned out and another engulfed in flames, a chilling reminder of how destructive these blasts were.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu didn’t waste time. His office said he’s getting constant updates and plans to hold a security meeting soon to figure out the next steps. Defence Minister Israel Katz pointed the finger at “Palestinian terrorist organizations,” vowing to hit back hard. He’s already ordered the military to step up operations in the West Bank, especially in refugee camps like Tulkarem, where tensions have been boiling over.
The Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, has taken over the investigation. Police commander Haim Sargarof noted that the bombs looked similar to ones used in the West Bank, a region Israel has occupied since 1967. This connection has fueled fears that unrest there might be spilling into central Israel.
ALSO READ | Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Grabs Finance, Parvesh Verma Takes PWD – Full Cabinet Portfolio List
Tzvika Brot, the mayor of Bat Yam, called it a miracle that no one was injured. “We are lucky the buses were empty,” he said in a video statement. Ofir Karni, head of the bus company, acted fast, telling drivers across the country to stop and check their vehicles for bombs. After thorough inspections, routes resumed once the all-clear was given. Still, the close call left many Israelis shaken—imagine if those buses had been full of passengers.
This attack comes at a tense moment. Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group in Gaza, are negotiating a shaky ceasefire to end the war in Gaza. So far, seven rounds of hostage swaps have happened, with Hamas releasing 19 Israeli hostages and Israel freeing over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners. Just recently, Hamas handed over the bodies of four hostages, including two young boys, as part of the deal. The bus explosions threaten to derail this fragile progress, raising questions about whether peace talks can hold.
The West Bank has been a hotspot of violence since the Gaza war started in 2023. Israeli forces have killed at least 897 Palestinians there, often during near-daily raids targeting militants. Katz’s call to “intensify operations” suggests more military action is coming, especially in crowded refugee camps. For many, the bus blasts feel like a grim escalation of an already bloody conflict.
For now, police are urging people to stay vigilant and report anything suspicious. Bomb squads are still sweeping the area, making sure no more devices are lurking. Netanyahu has promised “decisive action” against those responsible, and with the Shin Bet on the case, Israel’s response is likely to be swift and strong.
