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del.icio.us Digg It!  new Shin Bet data shows dramatic drop in 2007 terror fatalities By Amos Harel Thirteen Israelis were killed by Palestinians in 2007, the lowest number in years, according to data released yesterday by the Shin Bet security service. The fatality figures for 2006 and 2005 were 24 and 50, respectively. Advertisement Moreover, there was only one successful suicide bombing last year, down from six in 2006 and 60 during the intifada's worst year, 2002. That bombing, in Eilat last January, killed three people. According to the Shin Bet, the sharp decline in terror stemmed not from a drop in the terrorists' motivation, but from Israel's success in foiling attacks. This success is based on three elements: the separation fence, superb intelligence, and the Israel Defense Forces' almost complete freedom of action in the West Bank. The data show "as close as possible to a victory over terror," a senior defense official told Haaretz. "The IDF and Shin Bet succeeded in thwarting suicide terror, reducing it to a tolerable level." In contrast to the sharp decline in suicide bombings, however, rocket and mortar attacks from Gaza continued apace. In total, Palestinians fired 1,263 rockets and 1,511 mortar shells at southern Israel last year, compared with 1,722 rockets and 55 mortars in 2006. Rocket attacks accounted for two of last year's fatalities, both in Sderot. The Shin Bet estimates that 80 tons of explosives have been smuggled into Gaza since Hamas ousted Fatah in the strip last June, and that Hezbollah funnels $10 million a year to Palestinian terror groups. Bookmark to del.icio.us Muslims study Holocaust For Dutch educators, Islamophobia can be a teaching aid for Holocaust studies. White House race Edwards is the angry candidate; Obama prefers conciliation.

Today Online Burston: Here's to '67 borders, the new middle of the road Responses: 281 Two Gazans killed as Hamas-Fatah clashes enter second day Responses: 233 For Dutch educators, Islamophobia can be aid in Holocaust study Responses: 81 Rosner's Guest: Evangelicals love Jews, Jewish Israel Responses: 66 Haaretz TV: Shin Bet denying vital treatment for critically ill Gazans Responses: 96 More Headlines 21:30 Terrorists who carried out deadly W. Bank shooting were Fatah men 20:51 Barak: W. Bank roadblocks are effective, will remain in place 02:33 Court rules to evict 8 Jewish families from E. J'lem house 02:31 Olmert trades quips with Israeli comedian in television interview 22:21 For Dutch educators, Islamophobia can be a teaching aid for Holocaust studies 22:00 Hamas militant killed, three wounded by IDF fire near Gaza security fence 23:09 Race for the White House/ Between anger and moderation 02:10 Psalms teacher gets 23 years for sexually assaulting children 23:00 Case closed against journalist accused of sex crimes, indecent acts Previous Editions Select Day 01 jan 31 dec 30 dec 28 dec 27 dec 26 dec 25 dec 24 dec 23 dec 21 dec 20 dec 19 dec

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