Israeli authorities on Wednesday arrested a suspected terrorist accused of being behind a Feb. 20 bombing attack targeting buses in the Tel Aviv suburbs of Bat Yam and Holon, Israeli Defense Forces officials said.

A monthslong joint investigation by the IDF and Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, resulted in the capture of the accused assailant, identified as the Palestinian Abed al-Karim Snober. 

“The arrest marks a significant operational and intelligence achievement, following a prolonged period of intensive intelligence activity by the IDF and Shin Bet, which included a series of field operations that were built and led to the terrorist’s arrest,” IDF officials said in a statement.

Israeli authorities said Mr. Snober planted bombs in three empty buses that exploded in quick succession in parking lots outside Tel Aviv. There were no reported injuries. Investigators later found additional explosive devices in other buses in the area. 

Security forces were guided to his location late Tuesday after reports of another blast in the West Bank city of Nablus. The detonation was likely caused by his contact with additional explosive devices in his possession. He was injured and fled the apartment, but was quickly captured, Israeli officials said.

“The IDF, Shin Bet and Border Police will continue to operate at all times and in all places with the aim of ensuring the safety of the residents of the sector and the citizens of the State of Israel,” IDF officials said in a statement following the arrest.

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.