Shin Bet reports increase in terror attacks in 2012

Last year saw an increase in the number of terror attacks carried out against Israelis compared to 2011, but it was accompanied by a decrease in the number of fatalities, according to an annual Shin Bet report released Thursday.

The number of terror attacks in the West Bank rose from 320 in 2011 to 578 in 2012, while 282 attacks were carried out in Jerusalem, compared to 191 in 2011.

According to the report, the increase is due in part to a 68% rise in what the Shin Bet refers to as “popular” terror attacks — mainly attacks involving Molotov cocktails. However, the number of attacks involving firearms and explosives also grew by 42% — 37 compared to 26 in 2011.

Ten Israelis were killed as a result of terror attacks in 2012, compared to 22 killed in 2011. Six of the victims were civilians and four were members of the security forces.

Rocket fire from Gaza during November’s Operation Pillar of Defense claimed six lives. Two soldiers were killed in gunfights with terrorists and two were killed in combined attacks on the Israeli-Egyptian border.

Unlike in previous years, no Israelis were killed in the West Bank.