Bus explosions in Tel Aviv struck minutes apart: Report

Three explosive devices detonated on Friday evening local time on empty buses parked at separate locations in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority.

The first two blasts occurred minutes apart, followed by a third explosion 15 minutes later. Suspicious bags, believed to contain additional explosives, were found nearby.

Initial reports suggest the explosions originated inside the buses, leading authorities to suspect coordinated attacks.

Security forces are sweeping through other buses in the city’s car parks. Israeli Defence Minister Katz has ordered the Israeli army to increase the intensity of West Bank operations in response to bus explosions, although there is no evidence yet that anyone from the occupied territories was involved.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will hold an urgent security assessment in response to the explosions in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, his office announced on social media.