Throughout December 2012 112 terror attacks were recorded, most (81) took place in Yehuda and Shomron and some (30) in Jerusalem. No rocket launchings into Israel were recorded in December. De facto, Israel experienced one single attack from Gaza Strip (two mortar shell launchings), following Operation Pillar of Defense (November 14-21, 2012) and the understanding between Hamas and Israel regarding the cease-fire.

The number of local terror attacks remains high: the Judea and Samaria area with 69 firebombs throwing and one stabbing attack; Jerusalem with 30 firebombs throwing and a run-over attack.

Amongst this month’s casualties, three Israeli security officials were injured: two were stabbed in Shomron (December 3), one was run over by car in Jerusalem (December 23).

Data regarding terror attacks in December 2012

Following is a regional distribution of attacks:

One attack from Gaza (637 in November, 96 in October); 81 attacks in Yehuda and Shomron (122 in November, 39 in October); 30 attacks in Jerusalem (44 in November, 31 in October).

Jerusalem , Yehuda and Shomron: Most attacks executed in December (98 out of 111) were in the form of firebombs (November: 156 out of 166, October: 68 out of 70).

Distribution of attacks according to regions and pattern profile:

Following is a distribution of attacks in December 2012 according to regions:

Gaza – one attack: mortar shell launching.

Yehuda, Shomron and Jerusalem – 111 attacks: 6 IED (Improvised Explosive Device); 3 grenade throwing; 2 small arms shooting; 1 stabbing;1 run over (in Jerusalem); 98 firebombs (29 in Jerusalem).

Compared to last month (November): 166 attacks: 2 stabbing (in Jerusalem); 2 IED; 3 small arms shooting; 1 grenade throwing; 2 object/ stone throwing; 156 firebombs (42 in Jerusalem).

High-trajectory launchings from Gaza Strip and Sinai

Throughout December 2012 no rocket launchings into Israel were recorded. De facto, Israel experienced one single attack from Gaza (two mortar shell launchings) compared to 1,734 rockets and 83 mortar shells in November (in 633 attacks), and 116 rockets and 55 mortar shells in October (in 92 attacks).

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)