Shin Bet: Israel has prevented 111 attempted terrorist attacks so far this year

A review of the 111 attempted terrorist attacks reported by the Shin Bet shows a trend towards decentralization in Palestinian terrorism. Hamas was behind 55% of the planned attacks.

By: Lauren Calin, World Israel News

Celebration in Ramallah of Hamas’ alleged capture of an IDF soldier during Operation Protective Edge. (Issam Rimawi/Flash90)

Israel has prevented 111 attempted terrorist attacks since the beginning of 2015, the Shin Bet reported. Hamas is the primary organizer of these attacks, but there has been a marked increase in terrorism by lone wolves and unaffiliated cells. The statistics do not include terror attempts foiled by the Palestinian Authority.

The planned terrorist attacks included 17 suicide bombings and 8 kidnappings, as well as shootings and roadside bombings. Of the suicide bombings, 5 were planned by Hamas, 5 by other groups, and 7 by unaffiliated individuals. Of the kidnappings, 4 were planned by Hamas and 4 by members of other groups, such as Islamic Jihad.

The Shin Bet noted several trends that indicate Palestinian terrorism has become a more local affair. Although Hamas was responsible for the majority of attempted terrorist attacks with 62 attempts, the attacks were more likely to be conducted by local cells rather than being centrally planned. New terrorist cells are being formed based on existing social ties, often without affiliation to a larger terrorist organization, making them harder for security forces to detect.

Nearly all the terrorism targets were located in Judea and Samaria, possibly due to the logistical difficulties in carrying out an attack inside the Green Line. In contrast with the days when terrorists craved the notoriety of being wanted by the Israeli authorities, today’s terrorists prefer to carry out their attacks and then quietly return to their regular lives.

HamasIslamic terrorPalestinian AuthorityShin BetTerrorism