Everything We Know About the Bus Explosions in Tel Aviv
Israeli police reported that explosions rocked three buses at a parking lot in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv. Authorities announced they have launched an investigation and suspect a nationalist motive.
According to Israeli settler platforms, an unexploded device was found after two buses detonated in Bat Yam. Israeli media confirmed that police are searching for suspects involved in placing explosive devices on the buses. Meanwhile, the mayor of Bat Yam stated that three bombs were placed in different buses across the area.
The Jerusalem Post cited police sources as stating that the incident was a ‘terrorist attack’. Three explosive devices were found in three empty buses.
Immediately following the explosions, light rail service in Bat Yam was halted. Walla News published an image of an explosive device found in southern Tel Aviv, with the phrase “Revenge for Tulkarm” written on it. This raised suspicions, as it seemed that the message was meant to be seen rather than the device to detonate. Reports suggest the bombs were set to detonate simultaneously on Friday morning, but at least one exploded earlier than planned. Security assessments rushed to conclude that the attack may have originated from the West Bank.
Immediate Government Response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to hold an emergency security meeting following the discovery of explosive devices in southern Tel Aviv. The Israeli government is tightening security measures, including increased patrols and searches at Ben Gurion Airport and on public transportation.
Immediately following the explosions and before the end of investigations, Israeli Defense Minister ordered the military to intensify ‘counterterrorism operations’ in the occupied West Bank, specifically targeting Tulkarm refugee camp. A senior official in Netanyahu’s office stated that the Prime Minister is considering a “strict military response” in the West Bank.
Suspicion and Speculation
Analysts question the timing and nature of the explosions. Speaking to AlJazeera, Israeli affairs expert Ihab Jabbarin pointed to the rapid conclusion that the attack had nationalist motives, raising concerns about who benefits from such an incident. He recalled similar bombings in the past that were never claimed by any group but were used as justification for military actions.
“Away from the operation itself—surrounded by numerous question marks, exclamation points, and doubts—and regardless of who will claim responsibility for it, or if it will remain unclaimed like some attacks after the Second Intifada…
What will Israel try to gain from this night, especially on a day when “all eyes are on Israel”?”, Jabbarin elaborated on his account on ‘X’.
“Amid shifting US positions on “control and disarmament” in Gaza, just before negotiations, Israel could:
* Enter negotiations from a stronger position, reinforcing its demand for the disarmament of Gaza.
*Justify expanding security operations in the West Bank, especially as it faces growing challenges to its legitimacy on the international stage.
* Rebuild its war narrative, which has suffered setbacks, bringing it back to its initial framing.
* Reinstate a sense of paranoia and vulnerability among Israelis, who had begun to enjoy political stability.
* Strengthen the Iranian dimension within the Palestinian issue.
* Reinforce the idea that all Palestinians are guilty, portraying no distinction between civilians and those targeting Israelis.
* Shift Israeli public opinion further to the right, solidifying support for the government’s ideology and policies.
* And on the sidelines—given the perceived intelligence failure surrounding this operation—calls for the dismissal of the Shin Bet chief will likely grow louder.”
بعيدا عن العملية، التي تحيطها العديد من علامات الإستفهام والتعجب والسؤال والترقيم، وبعيدا عن هوية من سوف يتبناها، – او لن يتبناها- كبعض العمليات بعيد الإنتفاضة الثانية.
ماذا ستحاول أن تستفيد إسرائيل من خلفية هذه الليلة وفي اليوم الذي تتجه فيه "كل العيون لإسرائيل"!
وفي ظل خلفية…— Ehab Jabareen ايهاب جبارين (@JabareenEhab) February 20, 2025
Security expert Elias Hanna also pointed out inconsistencies. He questioned why explosives meant to detonate would have messages written in Arabic and Hebrew, particularly with spelling mistakes. This detail raises doubts about the authenticity of the operation, according to Hanna.
The explosions took place amid heightened tensions across the occupation state. The Israeli army has been conducting operations in West Bank refugee camps for a month, killing dozens of Palestinians, including women and children, and expelling thousands.
Despite the intense search, no suspects have been apprehended so far. Analysts warn that the Israeli government could use the incident to justify further assaults on the occupied territories.
