Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has initiated an extensive operation aimed at addressing what he describes as “centers of terrorism” in the occupied West Bank. This decision comes on the heels of an incident involving three explosions on buses in the coastal city of Bat Yam, which, although alarming, did not result in any reported injuries.
The explosions occurred on Thursday evening, with three devices detonating on buses and two others subsequently being defused by police. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has pointed his finger at “Palestinian terrorist” groups as the likely perpetrators of the blasts. Following a security assessment with senior officials, Netanyahu’s office announced on social media that he has ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to execute intensive operations against these alleged centers of terrorism in the region referred to biblically as Judea and Samaria.
In addition to the military operations, Netanyahu has instructed both the Israel Police and the internal security agency, the ISA, to enhance preventative measures to thwart further attacks in Israeli cities. A significant police presence has been mobilized to search for suspects linked to the explosions, and bomb disposal units have been deployed to scour the area for any additional suspicious objects. Authorities have asked the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious items to local law enforcement.
Tzvika Brot, the mayor of Bat Yam, confirmed in a video statement that there were no reported injuries from the blasts. Footage showed security and bomb disposal teams examining the remnants of the damaged buses, while Israeli media reported that bus drivers nationwide have been instructed to inspect their vehicles for potential explosives.
In a related development, police commander Haim Sargarof noted during a televised briefing that the bombs used in the Bat Yam incident bore similarities to those frequently encountered in the West Bank. Defense Minister Katz further announced plans to intensify military actions in West Bank refugee camps, particularly in areas like Tulkarem, signaling an escalation in operations that have already been ongoing for weeks.
Israeli forces have been conducting near-daily raids targeting Palestinian militants, which, according to the United Nations, have displaced over 40,000 Palestinians and resulted in multiple civilian casualties. Since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza in October 2023, violence in the West Bank has surged. An AFP tally estimates that at least 897 Palestinians, including militants, have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers, while 32 Israelis, including soldiers, have died in related confrontations.
The recent developments mark a significant intensification of the long-standing conflict, highlighting the complex and volatile situation in the region as security forces mobilize in response to perceived threats while civilian unrest continues to rise.
