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Jerusalem Police Chief Yoram Halevy reported to the media a short time ago that the explosion earlier today, 10 Nissan, on an Egged number 12 bus was caused by an explosive device. He is the first senior official stating the explosion on the bus was indeed a terrorist attack as feared.

“At this time it is too early to report if there was a suicide bomber or if the bomb was placed on the bus but I can say with certainty there was an explosive device on the bus, which was traveling towards the city center.

The attack, which comes days before Pesach, has police reevaluating preparations for the yomtov as it appears terrorists are stepping up their attacks from knives to explosives on a bus, reminiscent of the so-called Second Intifada. No terrorist organization has claimed responsibility for the attack.

There is currently a larger police force composed of various units in the department deployed in the city and the number of the force will continue increasing as yomtov nears. Undoubtedly, following today’s terrorist attack on board a public bus, will compel senior officials in Israel Police and the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) to reevaluate the situation ahead of yomtov.

“We are not surprised” stated the chief, explaining “this is Jerusalem and here we are never surprised”.

Photo Credits: David Leff / Midabrim Tikshoret

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)