A series of explosions rocked the Tel Aviv suburb of Bat Yam on Thursday evening, as five buses were targeted in massive coordinated attempted terror attack. The incidents, which occurred in various parking lots, have sent shockwaves through the country, though, Baruch Hashem, no injuries have been reported as the buses were empty at the time of the blasts.

The first two explosions occurred simultaneously in separate parking lots shortly before nightfall, followed by a third explosion approximately 15 minutes later. Israeli police quickly responded, discovering two additional explosive devices on other buses, which bomb disposal units successfully defused. Authorities estimate that each device weighed around 5 kilograms, and early assessments suggest the bombs originated in the West Bank, resembling designs previously encountered there.

Hamas’s Tulkarm Battalion has claimed responsibility for the attack, with posts on X indicating that the bombs were intended to detonate during Friday morning’s rush hour, potentially targeting civilian passengers. “Five buses exploded prematurely as were supposed to happen during rush hour, many more bombs discovered,” wrote one user on X, reflecting the chilling intent behind the plot. Israeli security forces, including the Shin Bet, have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are conducting nationwide searches for additional explosives.

In response to the attacks, Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev ordered an immediate halt to all public transportation across the country, including buses, trains, and light rail services. Drivers have been instructed to inspect their vehicles for suspicious objects, as fears grow of a coordinated assault. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is receiving regular updates from his military secretary and has vowed to exact revenge on those responsible, calling Hamas “monsters” in a statement earlier today tied to a separate hostage-related development.

Bat Yam Mayor Tzvika Brot addressed the public in a video statement, confirming that the explosions took place in two different parking lots and urging residents to remain vigilant. “Large police forces are at the scenes, searching for suspects,” he said, as images of burning buses and police cordons circulated widely online. The Israel Fire and Rescue Authority released footage of one bus engulfed in flames, a stark reminder of the potential devastation narrowly avoided.

Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to intensify operations against refugee camps in Judea and Samaria, signaling a robust military response to the attempted attack.

Meanwhile, the timing of the explosions coincides with a somber day in Israel, as Hamas handed over the bodies of four hostages—including Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Kfir and Ariel—earlier today in Khan Younis, Gaza.

YWN will continue to monitor this developing story and provide the latest details as they become available.

CCTV footage captured the suspect fleeing the scene following the bus bombing in Bat Yam, triggering an ongoing manhunt for the individual.

A manhunt is underway for this individual who is wanted for connection to the bus explosions in Bat Yam

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