Bus explosions in Israel: police conduct large-scale checks
20 February 23:42
Israel has experienced a series of bus bombings that may be part of a coordinated terrorist attack. Authorities are already investigating and strengthening security measures in public transport. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the Times of Israel.
Details of the incident
According to the Times of Israel, the first two explosions occurred simultaneously in parking lots in the Tel Aviv suburb of Bat Yam. Police quickly stated that this was probably an attempted large-scale terrorist attack.
The explosions occurred immediately after the buses arrived at the parking lot, which helped to avoid casualties.
After that, another bus exploded in the same area, further reinforcing suspicions that the attacks were terrorist in nature. All buses in the region were ordered to be immediately checked for explosive devices.
The plan was to blow up five buses
According to preliminary information, the attackers intended to blow up five buses simultaneously. The police managed to defuse two more explosive devices that did not detonate. One of the unexploded devices was found by a passenger who reported a suspicious bag to the driver.
All of them were equipped with timers for synchronized detonation and all explosions were to take place simultaneously tomorrow morning.
Each of the devices contained 5 kilograms of explosives, the report said.
The security services note that it could have been a “strategic terrorist attack.” One of the unused devices bore the inscription “Revenge from Tulkarem” – presumably a reference to a recent Israeli Defense Forces counterterrorism operation in the West Bank.
Security measures and investigations
Transportation Minister Miri Regev has ordered all buses, trains and light rail vehicles to be stopped and thoroughly inspected in connection with the suspected terrorist attack. Police have now completed searches of the vehicles and continue to search for the suspects.
Security at Ben Gurion Airport has also been tightened, including strict checks of all buses entering and leaving the airport.
Tel Aviv Police Chief Haim Sargarof said that the person who appeared on social media as a possible suspect had nothing to do with the attack. Preliminary investigations indicate that the explosions could have occurred the next day, when the buses would have been full of passengers.
Following the bus bombings in Bat Yam this evening, Defense Minister Israel Katz said he had instructed the IDF to step up its operations in the West Bank.
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