Bus Bombings Rock Israel: What We Know About Suspected Terror Attack- wna24
Israel on high alert after parked buses explode in Bat Yam near Tel Aviv | Image:
Israel bus
Israel: A series of explosions inside parked buses rocked Israel’s Bat Yam city on Thursday night. As of now, there are no reports of anybody getting injured or loss of lives in this incident. Israelis are suspecting it to be a terror attack which is being jointly probed by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), Shin Bet security agency and Israel Police.
Bus operators asked to remain alert
A high-alert has been issued across the country, especially near the West Bank. Bus operators have also been asked to check their vehicles and report to authorities if they find any suspicious objects or activity.
IDF has said that it has blocked several checkpoints which are leading to the West Bank as well as in Seam Zone, a region between Green Line and West Bank barrier.
Treat bus bombings as ‘mega terror attack’, says Israeli Oppn leader
Israel’s National Unity party chief Benny Gantz has called the incident as a ‘mega terror attack’ and warned the perpetrators of a reaction that the terror groups ‘will not forget’.
“An attempt to murder dozens of Israelis on this difficult day must be met not only with tactical actions, but also with direct targeting of the planners and funders of the attack, as well as the use of powerful measures against the terrorists’ strongholds,” The Times of Israel quoted Israel’s opposition party chief Benny Gantz as saying.
Telegram Channel representing Hamas claims responsibility for attack
According to the Times of Israel, a Telegram channel named ‘Tulkarem Battalion’, which represents terror outfit Hamas, has claimed responsibility for Israel’s bus bombings.
Security beefed at Ben Gurion Airport
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up at Ben Gurion Airport and a massive search operation in buses across the country has been launched.
Not just the aviation, but authorities managing Jerusalem’s light rail have been alerted too and asked to remain vigil, in wake of bus bombings.
Police launch hunt for more bombs, asks civilians to remain alert
As a massive search operation is underway across the country, the authorities are searching all possible locations, public places and transport services for more bombs and have asked civilians to remain vigil.
Israel Defence Minister first statement on bus bombings
Israeli Defence Minister Katz said that he has instructed IDF to ramp up security operations in the West Bank adding they will hunt down the terrorists and destroy their infrastructure.
He also warned civilians that they will pay a heavy price if found shielding the terrorists. The bus attack comes at a time when IDF is carrying out ‘Operation Iron Wall’ near the West Bank.