In Tel Aviv, a devastating attack occurred when a truck veered off course and plowed into a bus stop near the Glilot intersection, a location known for housing major Israeli military and intelligence facilities, including Mossad and IDF’s intelligence Unit 8200. The incident, which took place around 10 a.m. local time, led to the death of one individual and left approximately 40 others injured, with several in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos as the truck struck both a bus and people waiting at the bus stop, causing severe injuries. Israeli police have labeled this a suspected terrorist attack and are actively investigating the driver’s motives. Shortly after the collision, an armed civilian in the area reportedly "neutralized" the driver, who has been identified as an Israeli Arab from the town of Qalansawe in central Israel. Authorities noted that the driver had traveled from the north, making a sudden and unexpected swerve into the crowded intersection.
Emergency responders swiftly transported those injured to nearby medical facilities. Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Medical Center confirmed one fatality, while Sheba Medical Center received at least eight injured individuals, a mix of soldiers and civilians. The quick response by medical teams likely saved numerous lives, though officials noted that some remain in critical condition, and several are undergoing surgery and intensive care.
In response to the incident, the Iran-backed terror group Hamas released a statement lauding what it called a “heroic ramming attack” near “Mossad headquarters.” Hamas described the assault as a “natural response to the crimes of the Zionist occupation” in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, where tensions have recently escalated. However, the organization stopped short of directly claiming responsibility.
The strategic significance of the Glilot area, which houses several intelligence units crucial to Israel’s national security, has added another layer of tension to the event. Notably, Unit 8200, headquartered nearby, is integral to Israel’s cyber intelligence and national security efforts. Security has been heightened in sensitive areas, with officials voicing concern over potential follow-up attacks as they seek to assess whether this was an isolated incident or part of a broader orchestrated effort.
In a statement, Israeli officials condemned the attack, describing it as a “heinous act of violence” targeting civilians. They also pledged to bring any conspirators to justice and stated that such incidents would not deter Israel from pursuing national security goals and protecting its citizens. The attack has sparked a range of domestic responses, with many citizens expressing fear and outrage while others called for unity in the face of such incidents.
Security forces are increasing their presence in and around critical infrastructure in the Tel Aviv area, especially near military and intelligence installations, as Israel braces for potential retaliatory actions and monitors for any new threats in the region.
