Several bombs detonated inside parked buses in Bat Yam, central Israel, on Thursday evening, in what authorities are calling a planned terrorist attack.
Though no injuries were reported, the explosives—equipped with timers—were placed in locations that are typically crowded during the daytime.
According to news agency TPS-IL, additional bombs were discovered on other buses as security forces launched an operation to track down those responsible.
Israeli military officials have linked the planned mass bombing to Hamas-affiliated terrorists operating in the West Bank.
In response, Transport Minister Miri Regev has cut short his trip and ordered thorough inspections of all buses, trains, and light rail systems for potential explosive devices.
Tel Aviv Police District Commander Haim Sargaroff confirmed that the explosives, each weighing four to five kilograms, were set to detonate Friday morning to maximize casualties.
“This is a large-scale incident, and we are deployed across multiple locations,” he said. “We have scanned trains and buses and are working to determine the number of suspects involved.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that he is being regularly updated by his military secretary and will convene a security meeting to assess the situation.
