Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered an intensified military operation in the occupied West Bank following a series of suspected terrorist attacks targeting buses near Tel Aviv. On February 20, 2025, three empty buses in the suburbs of Bat Yam and Holon were struck by explosions, causing damage but no casualties. Israeli security forces later discovered two additional undetonated explosive devices, which were safely neutralized before they could cause harm.
Authorities revealed that the bombs were equipped with timers and had been planted on buses parked in depots after completing their routes. One of the devices contained the message “Revenge from Tulkarem,” referring to a recent Israeli military operation in the West Bank. While no organization has officially claimed responsibility for the attacks, a Hamas-affiliated faction in Tulkarem has hinted at involvement, citing ongoing retaliatory actions.
In response to the attacks, Netanyahu directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to carry out an extensive military operation aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating within the West Bank. Security agencies have also been instructed to heighten preventive measures across Israeli cities to mitigate the risk of further attacks. The renewed military campaign is expected to target militant strongholds and disrupt planned operations that could threaten Israeli civilians.
The bus bombings have intensified tensions in an already volatile region. With the West Bank experiencing a surge in violence in recent months, the latest incidents have raised concerns about escalating hostilities between Israeli forces and Palestinian militant groups. Netanyahu has reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to national security, vowing to take decisive action against those responsible for the attacks.
The international community is closely monitoring the developments, with calls for restraint to prevent further escalation. However, with security concerns at the forefront, Israel appears set on implementing stringent measures to counteract potential threats. As the situation unfolds, the region braces for the impact of the latest military response, which could shape the course of Israeli-Palestinian relations in the coming weeks.
