Courtesy of JNS. Photo credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90
Israeli security forces at the scene of a bus bombing, in Bat Yam, central Israel, Feb. 20, 2025
(JNS) — U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce on Saturday praised Israeli security forces for their quick action following the detonation of three empty buses near Tel Aviv on Thursday.
“Terrorism has no place in society and must be repudiated. The United States’ commitment to Israel’s security is unwavering,” she added.
The U.S. embassy in Jerusalem announced on Friday that State Department staff members and their families in Jerusalem are barred from using public buses and light rails in Israel for two weeks “out of an abundance of caution.”
After the buses exploded, bombs were found on two others in what is being investigated as a coordinated terror attack. No injuries were reported.
The Israel Security Agency (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, according to Hebrew-language media.
The Palestinian suspect was in Israel illegally, according to the reports.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a “massive” counter-terrorism operation in Judea and Samaria in response to the attacks.
Vigilant passenger averted a catastrophe
Adi Jenga, a 26-year-old from Bat Yam, prevented a potential disaster after spotting one of the bombs and alerting the bus driver, Channel 12 News reported on Saturday.
While riding Dan Bus Line 42 on Thursday evening, Adi noticed an abandoned bag with Arabic writing on it.
“I debated if I was just being paranoid, but something didn’t feel right,” Adi told Israel’s Channel 12 News. After inspecting the bag and seeing what appeared to be fuses, she approached the driver, who acted on her warning. The bus was evacuated before the device detonated.
Despite widespread praise on social media, Adi downplayed her role. “I don’t see myself as a hero. I just did what felt right. I’m grateful I noticed it in time, and that no one was hurt,” she said, urging others to stay alert.
“I was a messenger of God,” she told Israel’s Ynet outlet. “I’m happy I was able to save people.”
