The discovery of two explosive devices at southern Mediterranean beaches on Monday is being treated as part of an integrated attack on the southern Israeli port. After a barrel with a bomb attached to it was discovered in Ashkelon and neutralized in the afternoon, a barrel, another explosives barrel was discovered and detonated by police sappers in Ashdod.
A specific target for the attack was not identified. Authorities searched the coast as far south as the area adjacent to Hamas-controlled Gaza.