The Times of Israel is liveblogging Thursday’s events as they unfold.

Following the attempted string of bus bombings, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the IDF to embark on a massive operation in the West Bank against terrorist hubs, according to his office.

He also instructs the police and Shin Bet to “increase preventative activities” in Israel’s cities to prevent further attacks.

The decisions come after a meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, and Police Commissioner Daniel Levy.

The IDF confirms carrying out airstrikes on the Lebanon-Syria border a short while ago, saying its fighter jets targeted border crossings used by the Hezbollah terror group to smuggle arms.

The military says the attempts by Hezbollah to bring weapons into Lebanon “constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon.”

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in New York City announces a “silent gathering” to mourn the four slain hostages who were returned to Israel on Thursday.

The gathering will take place at Columbus Circle in Manhattan, starting at 6:30 p.m. local time.

“We will gather in silence, lighting candles in memory of the lives we have lost,” the group says in a statement. “May we see brighter days ahead.”

There will be no speeches at the gathering. For those unable to attend, the group urges them to light a candle.

The group asks participants to refrain from mentioning the names of hostages whose remains have not been identified yet, out of respect for the families.

The forum holds regular rallies on Sundays in Central Park.

The IDF says it is investigating this evening’s bus bombings in Bat Yam and Holon jointly with the Shin Bet security agency and Israel Police.

Following a fresh assessment, the military........

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