Bomb Scare at Tel Aviv Central Bus Station

Tel Aviv had the largest central bus station in the world until 2010 when Delhi, India built a larger one. It is full of unexplored areas, even a nuclear bomb shelter underneath.  Learning this made more sense as we were both a bit perplexed when our host told us we would need to board the Jerusalem-bound bus on the 6th floor.
It is also a hot spot in the constant security issue in Israel, and today was no exception.  Our mini-bus driver dropped us off a block early and pointed in the direction of the bus station.  We hauled our bags towards it to find the main entrance and roads surrounding blocked off with crowds standing around.  I spotted what appeared to be a bomb removal robot, and sure enough, no sooner had we seen it than it began rolling across the intersection and out of sight.  We thought it might be best to stand a short distance behind the main crowds, for a number of reasons.  While we were standing there trying to figure out just what to do, there were three quick, loud explosions.  I'm guessing they were detonating a suspicious bag or package, something not uncommon around here.  We finally decided to walk around the side of the cordoned off area and found our way into the bus station which seemed to be operating perfectly normally.
Also interesting just how many young soldiers, both male and female, probably half and half, are absolutely everywhere here in Israel.  It is the most normal thing in the world to see groups of them milling around or traveling together, more often than not with weapons slung over their shoulders.  Nothing too atypical here in Israel.