Shin Bet: 2009 had lowest terror levels in Israel this decade
15 Israelis were killed in terror attacks in past year, down from 36 fatalities in 2008.
By Amos Harel Tags: Shin Bet Israel newsThe past 12 months have seen the lowest number of terror attacks this decade, and the least number of Israeli casualties of terror, according to a report from the Shin Bet security services released Wednesday.
The Shin Bet credits the low number on the ability of Israeli security forces to thwart attacks, as well as efforts by Palestinian security organizations.
According to the report, 15 Israelis were killed in the past year, down from 36 fatalities in 2008. Out of the 15, nine were killed during Operation Cast Lead - Israel's three week offensive in Gaza that began exactly a year ago.
Of the nine people killed during the conflict, five were killed as a result of rocket fire. The other four were Israel Defense Forces soldiers who died as a result of friendly fire. (Another four soldiers were killed in battle during the war.)
After the conflict, a soldier was killed on the Gaza border from an explosion planted by terrorists linked to Al Qaida.
Five Israelis were killed in terror attacks originating from the West Bank, among them Rabbi Meir Hai, who was killed several days ago in a shooting attack near Nablus.
The decrease in the number of deaths from terror attacks is also a result of the decrease in the number of rockets fired into Israel. Between the start of the year and December 24, 566 rockets were fired into Israel, compared to the 2,048 that were fired in 2008.
The report also noted that Hamas was reigning in activities of the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization in Gaza.
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The wall would keep just as many Jews alive if it were built on Israeli territory rather than Palestinian. The wall had two purposes: 1. save Israeli lives, and, 2. grab more Palestinian land. That's why the UN International Court of Justice declared the wall illegal. You must simply love the Gaza blockade. It is an attempt to starve 1.5 million people to death, and collective punishment of a civilian population is a violation of article 33 of the 4th Geneva Convention and considered a war crime. I hope you have the opportunity to be standing outside the International Criminal Court in the Hague yelling, "CONGRATULATIONS IDF," when the Israeli delegation arrives to defend Israel against the charges of war crimes. Good luck!
Your purpose in writing is murky. I don't understand the purpose. It seems you are unable to offer any comment on the details of the blockade I reported on, so you want to talk about a fence? I did not say Palestinians are Israeli people. I can't imagine where you got that. Sure,I would put an electric fence on my hostile neighbors yard. So, what? What does that have to do with the Israeli blockade of the 1.5 million people in Gaza? There is a fence. Who cares what kind of fence it is? the fence is not the issue. Why would I want to go to N.Korea or Afghanistan? The blockade I reported on is in Gaza. Whose evil are we to embrace? Do you also consider the blockade evil? Don't forget to take your medication daily.
First the "Palestinians" are NOT israeli people. You think abonut yourself first. Would you care about the persons who is your neighbors killed your family killed half of your family and still trying. So you tell me that you would not place a electic fence on the border of their yard if that met that you rest of youtr family would be safe?! If they touch the fence then they would get zapped? Need to have some experience. Go to North Korea or Afganistan without American support and see if you will say the same again about be selffish! Those who embrace evil will jion it.
Governments primary purpose is the protection and security of it'd persons why else would you pay tax So i'd say for country like israel where this is a very important issue For some parts aost everyday why isn't this headlining the online site or a read and react ?? That's almost 75percent reduction in 12monthes on rockets alone. Good news 1 on either side is too many may 2010 bring peace prosperity and happiness for all persons in the region
Military assistance and aid over the past 3 decades have accomplished their oringinal purpose. That pupose was to give israel over-wheming military power and strengh; so if there was a hot conflict between Israel and an Arab country Israeal would be assured victory. Others words reduced Israel's RISK (of losing) to zero or close to zero. Then, Israel could make peace with their neighbors...well make peace in 2010, the RISK has never been lower!
Those who were not murdered owe their lives to security measures that keep us and the Arabs safe. Who wants to be sniped, bombed, stoned because they are black, white, Christian, Muslim or in this case a Jews. Make the fence higher, bigger, and expand it so we have a chance finally for some security since our enemies clearly do not want peace.
... the "very few" are the de facto leadership of Gaza. And on the "ethical scale", I would put them somewhere between Adi Amin and Pol Pot. The welfare of their people is the last thing on their agenda.
Congratulations to the IDF on a job well done. Keep up the good work. Thank God for the security wall They hate it all your bloggers cos it keeps jews alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It just lets you know that Gideon Levy and Richard Goldstone are divorced from reality.
the numbers dont lie my friends...
Yeah, sure it was. It killed a whole lot of innocent people in retaliation for the actions of a very few (and let's be careful about just how bad those actions by those few were on the ethical scale by which we should weigh both sides in this evil conflict). Cast Lead set a modern standard for vicious retaliation by a superior power against an inferior force. And that diminishes us all. Israel wins. It has shown us how savage we all are. Take a bow Israel! You deserve it!
Thanks to G-d, the security fence, Cast Lead, checkpoints, targeted removal of terrorists, excellent intelligence, and everything the leftists of the world hate.
Having Israels reputation and stand in the world ripped apart and scattered in the sea. Israeli support is lower then ever and Israel is probably the most hated ountry in the world even in europe,
Israel must do it's best to keep inforcing security.
It was a great success if you take pride in watching 1.5 million people suffer and Israel committing a war crime. Israel controls sea and air space and ALL points of entry and egress to Gaza. Israel claims it permits an average of 80 truckloads a day of aid to enter gaza. That is almost an admission of genocide. According to UN World Food Program, Gaza, with a population of 1.5million, requires daily 400 trucks of just food to meet basic nutritional needs. Israel forbids entry of building materials, medicine, electrical appliances,spare parts for cars and machines, fabrics,threads, needles, candles, matches, mattresses, sheets, blankets, cutlery, crockery, cups, glasses, musical instruments, books, tea, coffee, sausages,and shoes. UN relief agencies report 80% of Gazans depend on meager trickle of Intl aid Israel permits to enter; 450,000 Gazans are without clean water; patients are in dire need of medical care. WHO reports not enough IVs. Blood must be kept in plastic bottles.
was not a success, it did not stop rockets, if you think there is a lull it's because Hamas chooses not to fire them. the only thing operation Cast Lead achieved is exposing the state of Israel as a war criminal.
it reduced the number of rockets, which was a major part of the battle plan. Unlike the Palestinians and peace groups would like us to think, there was no systematic issue of killing and targeting civilians, no crimes against humanity, and very few accusations actually proven regarding civilian deaths. Congratulations to the IDF on a job well done. Keep up the good work.