Shin Bet: 2009 Had Lowest Terror Levels in Israel this Decade

The 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.