Shin Bet Arrests Israeli Suspects in Tel Aviv Bus Bombings as Netanyahu Orders Strikes on West Bank

Watan-Israel’s Shin Bet security agency and the central unit of the Israeli police arrested an Israeli Jew on Friday for investigation over suspicions of aiding those behind the bombings of three buses near Tel Aviv overnight (Thursday-Friday).

The Hebrew news site Walla reported that Shin Bet arrested three suspects in connection with the attacks, including two Israeli Jews. Meanwhile, Kan news reported that two Israeli Jews from Holon and Bat Yam were arrested on suspicion of transporting the individuals who planted the explosives on the buses.

According to Israeli security sources, one of the arrested Israelis allegedly transported the individuals who placed the explosives. Israeli assessments suggest that those attempting to carry out the attacks in Bat Yam and Holon came from the occupied West Bank. Consequently, Israeli security forces have launched extensive operations to understand the full details of the incident. Walla quoted an Israeli military official as saying, “At this stage, there are no definitive conclusions. The case remains open, and we must wait for intelligence agencies to determine the facts.”

Meanwhile, Channel 12 reported that one of the detained suspects, a resident of Gush Dan in the Tel Aviv area, is suspected of transporting an “illegal resident,” handling explosives, involvement in an act of terrorism, and endangering state security. He has also been denied access to a defense attorney.

Gag Order on Investigation

Israeli security agencies have gathered surveillance footage from cameras near the blast sites in Holon and Bat Yam to collect further evidence and identify the perpetrators. Israeli police later announced that the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court issued a gag order on the case being investigated by the central unit in Tel Aviv. According to the police statement, the order prohibits the publication of any details related to the investigation or any information that could reveal the identities of the suspects, remaining in effect until March 13, 2025.

Netanyahu Orders Strikes on West Bank Amid Security Concerns

Amid rising tensions, the Israeli army has begun reinforcing its forces at checkpoints across the occupied West Bank, fearing potential attacks. Overnight, consultations were held between IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading to orders for an offensive operation in the West Bank under the pretext of preventing further attacks.

This escalation comes despite the ongoing Israeli military assault on the West Bank, particularly in its northern areas, which has intensified in recent weeks under Operation “Iron Wall.” The campaign targets Palestinian resistance groups and civilian infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties. As part of this operation, Israel has deployed three additional battalions under the command of the military’s Central Region, with additional forces placed on standby to support police if needed.

An Israeli security source told Hebrew media on Friday that the military is continuously assessing the situation and preparing to expand offensive operations, particularly in northern Samaria (occupied West Bank). Walla quoted a senior security official as saying, “The attacks in Bat Yam and Holon are extremely serious,” adding that a special task force has been established to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attempts.

Despite Israeli intelligence agencies’ failure to prevent the Tel Aviv bus bombings—which could have resulted in major casualties had they occurred during peak commuting hours—Shin Bet claims to have foiled over 150 attacks targeting Israeli sites since the beginning of the year. According to Israeli reports, this includes planned explosive device attacks and suicide bombings deep inside Israeli territory.