Tel Aviv [Israel]: The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) revealed in its annual report that more than 1,000 terror attacks inside Israel were thwarted in 2024. The report, released on Tuesday, detailed a significant rise in cyberattacks, successful hostage rescue operations in Gaza, and critical missions in Jenin and Lebanon.
Key operations included the rescue of eight hostages and the retrieval of 28 bodies from Gaza for proper burial. Shin Bet credited its efforts in collaboration with other Israeli security agencies for these outcomes.
Spike in Cyberattacks
Since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, cyberattacks targeting Israel have quintupled, the report noted. Working alongside the military and the National Cyber Directorate, Shin Bet thwarted 700 cyberattacks in 2024.
- 66% aimed to gather intelligence or spy on Israelis.
- 32% targeted cyber networks for damage.
- 2% involved psychological operations such as phishing.
Terror Attacks Thwarted
The agency successfully foiled 1,040 terror attacks, with notable statistics including:
- 689 shooting attacks.
- 326 involving explosive devices.
- 13 stabbings.
- 9 car-ramming incidents.
- 2 suicide bombings.
- 1 kidnapping attempt.
Despite the high number of thwarted attacks, overall incidents in the region decreased by 40%, which Shin Bet attributed to strengthened intelligence sharing and operational coordination with the Israeli military and other agencies.
Detentions and Operations in Gaza
In the Gaza Strip, Shin Bet operations led to the detention of over 1,350 individuals, including:
- 40 senior operatives and commanders.
- 165 close associates of senior leaders.
- 100 individuals with suspected knowledge about hostages.
Interrogations of 650 detainees provided actionable intelligence, enabling precision strikes on terror targets and supporting hostage rescue missions.
Lebanon Operations
In Lebanon, Shin Bet successfully targeted senior operatives from Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, disrupting their activities and plans.
Domestic Counterintelligence
Within Israel, Shin Bet dismantled 13 espionage networks, leading to the arrest of 37 Israelis suspected of spying for Iran. Among them, 27 have been indicted. The agency also uncovered 20 terror cells among Israeli-Arabs.
The report underscores Shin Bet’s critical role in maintaining national security, countering cyber threats, and thwarting terrorism through intelligence-driven operations.