In response to the attempted bus-bombing terror attacks in Gush Dan this evening (Thursday), Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the expansion of IDF military operations in refugee camps across Judea and Samaria. According to Katz, this is a necessary step to prevent another wave of terror.
Katz further stated that the IDF is continuously working to thwart security threats emanating from the West Bank, focusing on the Tulkarem refugee camp and other key locations: “We will relentlessly pursue the terrorists and destroy the terror infrastructure — those who harbor terrorists will pay a heavy price,” reiterated Katz.
Major Attack Averted
Three empty buses exploded this evening in three separate parking lots in the city of Bat Yam, with no casualties reported. Firefighting teams dispatched to the scene quickly brought the fires under control and prevented them from spreading.
The police announced that there is suspicion of a security-related incident, and police bomb squads are conducting searches for additional suspicious objects. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will hold a security assessment following the events, while Minister Miri Regev has instructed authorities to inspect all public transportation vehicles in Israel and act according to the guidelines of the Shin Bet and the police.
