Photo by cottonbro studio
The United States embassy in Israel has issued a security advisory, recommending that its personnel and their family members refrain from utilizing public transportation throughout the country for a duration of two weeks. In light of the explosions that occurred on public buses on February 20, and as a precautionary measure, the embassy has temporarily restricted US government employees and their families from using public buses and the light rail in Israel for a period of 14 days, as stated in an official announcement.
The embassy also emphasized the ongoing necessity for vigilance and heightened personal security awareness among US citizens, noting that attacks can occur unexpectedly. The notification underscored the complexity of the security situation, which can evolve rapidly. The US mission urged its citizens to consider this advisory when organizing their activities in Israel.
The Embassy will persist in monitoring the security landscape and will disseminate further information as necessary, as stated in their announcement.
On Thursday, three explosions were reported in unoccupied buses located in the central cities of Bat Yam and Holon, situated south of Tel Aviv. Fortunately, there were no casualties resulting from the incident.
At least one of the explosive devices was accompanied by a note written in both Arabic and Hebrew, which read, “Revenge from the Tulkarem refugee camp,” a location within the Palestinian Authority-controlled West Bank.
Local media indicated that five explosive devices, all equipped with timers set to detonate simultaneously, were discovered, suggesting a planned strategic terrorist attack.
In response to the explosions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a comprehensive counter-terrorism operation in the West Bank on Thursday night. He also directed the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, and the Israel Police to enhance preventive measures against potential further attacks throughout the nation.
On Friday, the Israeli Prime Minister visited the Tulkarem refugee camp to engage with Israeli soldiers, stating, “We are entering the strongholds of terrorism, leveling entire streets and eliminating terrorists.”
We are implementing critically significant actions against Hamas and other terrorist organizations that seek to inflict harm upon us. This intent has not yet diminished, as emphasized by Netanyahu.
