Israeli Defense Minister Orders Intensified Operations in West Bank Following Bus Explosions in Tel Aviv
Increased military activities are slated in response to three bus explosions, which authorities suspect have nationalistic motivations.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Thursday that he has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to intensify operations in the occupied West Bank following explosions on three buses in Tel Aviv.
There have been no reports of injuries from these incidents.
Gallant’s office issued a statement indicating that in light of attempts to carry out dangerous attacks in the Gush Dan region—home to a significant population of civilians—the minister has directed the military to intensify counter-terrorism operations, particularly in the Tulkarem refugee camp and other refugee camps throughout the occupied territory.
In a related development, an unnamed official from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office was reported to have called for a military offensive in the West Bank, describing the bus explosions as a serious threat.
The official stated that Netanyahu regards the events in Tel Aviv with grave concern and intends to command a stringent military operation in response.
Late on Thursday, the Israeli police reported an explosion and fire occurring in three buses parked in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, and stated that investigations into the incident are underway.
The police suspect that the explosions are rooted in nationalistic motivations.
In response to the bus explosions, heightened security measures were implemented at Ben Gurion Airport, as well as increased inspections of buses and passengers heading to the airport.
Security assessments indicated that the explosives were timed to detonate at 9 AM the following morning, with at least one device exploding prematurely at 9 PM instead.
The commander of the Tel Aviv region described the incidents as part of a widespread operation involving explosive devices.
Reserve forces have been deployed to numerous locations across the area to manage the situation.
Local reports also mentioned that the Israeli police and Shin Bet security agency have removed cameras from sites where explosive devices were found, aiming to trace the individuals responsible for the attacks.
There have been no reports of injuries from these incidents.
Gallant’s office issued a statement indicating that in light of attempts to carry out dangerous attacks in the Gush Dan region—home to a significant population of civilians—the minister has directed the military to intensify counter-terrorism operations, particularly in the Tulkarem refugee camp and other refugee camps throughout the occupied territory.
In a related development, an unnamed official from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office was reported to have called for a military offensive in the West Bank, describing the bus explosions as a serious threat.
The official stated that Netanyahu regards the events in Tel Aviv with grave concern and intends to command a stringent military operation in response.
Late on Thursday, the Israeli police reported an explosion and fire occurring in three buses parked in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, and stated that investigations into the incident are underway.
The police suspect that the explosions are rooted in nationalistic motivations.
In response to the bus explosions, heightened security measures were implemented at Ben Gurion Airport, as well as increased inspections of buses and passengers heading to the airport.
Security assessments indicated that the explosives were timed to detonate at 9 AM the following morning, with at least one device exploding prematurely at 9 PM instead.
The commander of the Tel Aviv region described the incidents as part of a widespread operation involving explosive devices.
Reserve forces have been deployed to numerous locations across the area to manage the situation.
Local reports also mentioned that the Israeli police and Shin Bet security agency have removed cameras from sites where explosive devices were found, aiming to trace the individuals responsible for the attacks.
