The United States government “strongly” condemned the bombing of a bus near Tel Aviv.

“Violent acts targeting civilians are deplorable,” the State Department said in a statement late Sunday night, hours after the public bus exploded in the coastal city of Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv. The bus had originated in Bnei Brak.

All the passengers had been removed from the bus after a fellow passenger noticed the suspicious package that contained the bomb.

“We reaffirm our unshakable bond with Israel and our solidarity with the Israeli people,” the statement concluded.

It was the first bus bombing attack in Israel in slightly over a year. Police are considering the bombing a terrorist attack, according to reports.

Palestinian terror groups welcomed the attack, but none claimed responsibility.

No suspects have been apprehended. Israeli security forces were checking cars entering the West Bank.