Friday, February 21, 2025

Netanyahu orders ‘massive’ counter-terror op after bus bombings

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday night ordered the military to conduct a “massive” counter-terrorism operation in Judea and Samaria, after three buses exploded near Tel Aviv and bombs were found on two others in what is being investigated as a coordinated attack. There were no injuries as the explosions were apparently mistimed.Netanyahu also instructed the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and Israel Police to step up “preventive activities” against possible additional attacks across the country

The Shin Bet on Friday arrested three people, including at least one Palestinian and one Jewish Israeli, suspected of driving a terrorist to the Tel Aviv area. The Palestinian suspect was in Israel illegally.

The Shin Bet did not comment on the reports, citing the ongoing investigation. Following a situational assessment on Thursday, the IDF said its operations in Judea and Samaria were ongoing, and that areas within the territories have been closed off. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi instructed forces to assist the Israel Police as necessary. (Read More)