The IDF’s Operation Pillar of Defense took place on November 14-21, 2012. Throughout the operation, Israel absorbed a barrage of high trajectory launchings from Gaza – over 1,700 rockets and nearly 100 mortar shells.

In response to the operation, Jerusalem, Yehuda and Shomron also saw an increase in the level of violence. The Yehuda and Shomron area with 122 attacks (98 occurred during the operation), as opposed to 39 in October; and Jerusalem with 44 attacks (27 occurred during the operation), as opposed to 31 in October.

Five attacks inside the Green Line were recorded to have occurred this month (bus bombing attack in Tel Aviv, two stabbing attacks in Beersheva and Sdei Avraham in southern Israel, and two firebomb attacks near Wadi Ara and Nitztanei Ohz, as well as three rocket attacks executed from Sinai against Israel during the operation.

Six Israelis were killed (4 citizens and 2 soldiers) by Gaza rockets fired into Israel during the operation. 269 Israelis were wounded, of which 231 were injured during the operation, most (218) suffered light injuries.

Amongst Israeli casualties, three were stabbed (two in Jerusalem on November 2 and 6; one in Beersheva on November 28), 29 civilians were wounded in the bus bombing attack in Tel Aviv (November 21). Four Israelis were injured by firebombs / stone throwing in Yehuda: three civilians (a woman seriously wounded), and a security officer wounded near Nitztanei Ohz.

Data regarding terror attacks in November 2012

Following is a regional distribution of attacks:

637 attacks from Gaza (96 in October); 122 attacks in Yehuda and Shomron (39 in October); 44 attacks in Jerusalem (31 in October); 5 attacks within the “Green Line”; 3 attacks executed from Sinai.

Jerusalem, Yehuda and Shomron areas: Most attacks executed in November (156 out of 166) were in the form of firebombs (October: 68 out of 70).

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)