Three buses exploded near Tel Aviv on Thursday in Israeli police calling a suspected, coordinated terrorist attack, according to the unit of the country’s police spokesman.
The buses where the bombs exploded were empty and in separate parking spaces about 500 meters apart from each other, said the mayor of Bat Yam, where the incident took place. Bat Yam is on the southern coast of Israel and is located just south of Tel Aviv.
There are no damage from the explosions, police say.
Israeli police inspect the stage of one of a series of bus explosions in what the authorities said seemed to be a militant attack in Bat Yam, Central Israel, February 20, 2025.
Ohad Zwigenberg/AP
Two bombs were also found on separate buses, according to police spokesman.
The explosive units looked like bombs seen by Israeli police in the West Bank, the spokesman added.
An Israeli police officer inspects the scene where police have reported a series of explosions on buses in what they said seemed to be a militant attack in Bat Yam, Central Israel, February 20, 2025. No injuries were reported.
Ohad Zwigenberg/AP
Police said they found a written note with one of the bombs reading, “Revenge against the Tulkarm camp,” referring to the Israeli operation in the West Bank last week, ABC News confirmed.
Sources informed about the preliminary investigation told ABC News officials that a coordinated terrorist attack was scheduled for Friday morning to coincide with Pre-Sabbath Rush when buses in Israel are typically overcrowded. For some reason, at least one unit went too soon, sources said.
“Several reports have been received about explosions involving several buses in different places in Bat Yam. Large police forces are on the stage and are searching for suspects. The police bomb bombing units are scanning for further suspicious objects,” said the Israeli police spokesman’s unit.
An Israeli police officer inspects the scene where police have reported a series of explosions on buses in what they said seemed to be a militant attack in Bat Yam, Central Israel, February 20, 2025. No injuries were reported.
Ohad Zwigenberg/AP
Israel Security Agency, known as Shin Bet, is now involved in the investigation, police confirmed to ABC News.
Police are looking for the immediate area for further planted bombs on buses and urged the public to avoid the areas and remain aware of suspicious items.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu receives “regular updates” from his military secretary, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office said in a statement on Thursday.
This is an evolving story. Check back for updates.
