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Jerusalem – A series of coordinated explosions struck multiple buses in central Israel on Thursday evening, prompting an immediate halt to all public transportation as authorities scrambled to assess further threats.
The attacks, which occurred in various locations, have heightened security concerns across the nation, with officials vowing a swift and forceful response.
Transport Minister Miri Regev ordered the suspension of all bus, train, and light rail operations across affected areas to allow security teams to conduct thorough inspections for additional explosive devices.
IDF to Intensify Operations in West Bank
Following the attack, Defense Minister Israel Katz directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to ramp up military operations in Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank.
“We will pursue the terrorists to the bitter end and destroy the terror infrastructure. Those who protect terror will pay a heavy price,” Katz declared. He specifically mentioned increasing IDF operations in the Tulkarm refugee camp and other areas in Judea and Samaria.
Israeli security officials are investigating the origins of the attacks, with initial suspicions pointing to Palestinian terror organizations. While no group has yet claimed responsibility, security assessments suggest the blasts were part of a coordinated effort to target Israeli civilians.
Political and Public Reaction
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that he was briefed on the situation and would soon convene a security assessment to determine the next course of action.
Former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, blamed the government’s previous ceasefire agreements for emboldening terrorists. “When the government signs reckless surrender deals with the enemy instead of raining hell on him, he gains an appetite to increase his attempts to murder Jews,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The mayor of Ariel, a West Bank settlement, called for a harsh response, stating, “The time has come to destroy the refugee camps.”
Meanwhile, the Gvura Forum, a nationalist organization, condemned any negotiations with terrorist groups, stating, “Those who make an agreement with terrorists in Qatar should not be surprised by barbaric ceremonies in the morning and buses exploding at night.”
Call for Retaliation
Benny Gantz, chairman of the National Unity party, called the attack a “mega-incident” requiring a severe response. “To the attempt to murder dozens of Israelis on this difficult day, we must respond not only with tactical actions but by directly intercepting the senders and their financiers,” he stated.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed calls for military action, saying, “Our response must be an immediate return to fighting and systematically crushing terrorism in Gaza and Judea and Samaria.” He blamed the mass release of terrorists and the recent ceasefire for emboldening attacks.
MK Yair Golan of the Democrats party emphasized the need for heightened security, stating, “Israeli citizens need security – and are getting lawlessness again.”
Security Measures and Next Steps
Israeli security forces have launched a large-scale operation to locate those responsible for the explosions. Public transportation services are expected to resume once security inspections are complete.
As the country grapples with the aftermath of this attack, the government faces mounting pressure to take decisive action to prevent further incidents. Israel remains on high alert as security forces continue their investigation.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
