The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) looks back on a year of war on several fronts, during which 1,040 major attacks in the so-called “West Bank” and Jerusalem were foiled. In addition, more than 650 Gazans were interrogated, 20 terror cells among Israeli Arabs were uncovered, and 13 cases of Israeli citizens spying for the Iranian enemy were exposed.
Over 1,350 people were arrested in the Gaza Strip, including 40 high-ranking operatives and commanders and 165 close associates of leading members of terrorist organizations. In addition, 45 people who were directly involved in attacks and 100 suspects who had information on hostages were identified. The interrogations of over 650 prisoners provided important intelligence that led to life-saving ground operations and precise air and artillery strikes on terror targets. The Shin Bet reports that hundreds of terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip were successfully neutralized based on this information.
In Lebanon, Shin Bet operations focused on combating Palestinian terrorist organizations. A total of 25 leading members and operatives were eliminated, including members of Hamas, the Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. These individuals were instrumental in planning and carrying out attacks on Israeli targets.
In the so-called “West Bank” and Jerusalem, 1,040 major attacks were foiled, including 689 shooting attacks, 326 bombings, 13 stabbing attacks, nine vehicle attacks, two suicide bombings, and one kidnapping attempt. The measures led to a 40% decrease in attacks in these areas compared to the previous year.
Within “Israel-proper,” 20 terrorist cells among Israeli Arabs were uncovered. Five of these cells had concrete plans for bombings or car bomb attacks. These preventive measures helped to avoid internal unrest, despite the hostilities in neighboring regions.
The year 2024 was marked by numerous special operations. A special unit known as “Team Tequila” made up of Shin Bet operatives and members of the Border Police’s Yamam counter-terrorism force was activated 32 times for short-term missions. The focus was on particularly sensitive missions, such as rescuing hostages and returning the bodies of kidnapped Israelis.
One of the most celebrated rescue operations was the release of Ori Magidish, an Israeli hostage held in the Gaza Strip. During the operation, a conversation between a Shin Bet operative and Magidish was recorded, documenting the tension and coordination during the operation.
The Shin Bet released an audio recording from the first hostage rescue operation of Cpl. Ori Megidish on October 30, 2023.
A Shin Bet agent can be heard reassuring her: “Ori, you’re in good hands. The team rescued you and is bringing you home. You’re amazing and brave. Are you… https://t.co/an1Kj28G3h pic.twitter.com/kiJrETH2Zq
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) December 31, 2024
Another notable operation was the rescue of the hostages Luis Har and Fernando Marman. During the mission, which was later dedicated to the fallen members of the Shin Bet on October 7, recordings of radio conversations were made that illustrate the operational conditions and the emotional significance of this rescue.
WATCH⚡️
A communication recording of Shin Bet operatives during the February 2024 operation to rescue hostages Fernando Merman and Luis Her from captivity in Rafah
One operative is heard saying, “Shma Yisrael Hashem Eloheinu Hashem Echad.” pic.twitter.com/3GQKAlMqNJ
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) December 31, 2024
The Shin Bet also conducted hundreds of security operations in other high-risk areas, including protecting government officials and symbols of state authority in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. In addition, dozens of security operations were conducted abroad, including two special missions: protecting the Israeli delegation at the Olympic Games in Paris, and securing the Israeli delegation at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden.
A significant focus was on countering Iranian activities. In 2024, 13 cases of serious espionage were uncovered in which Israeli citizens passed information to the Iranian enemy. Compared to the previous year, the number of espionage cases increased by 400%. A total of 27 people were charged. Iranian actors also attempted to smuggle weapons into the so-called “West Bank” and recruit Israeli citizens for intelligence work.
In the technological field, the Shin Bet reports a fivefold increase in cyberattacks on Israeli targets. Together with the National Cyber Authority and the Israeli army, 700 attacks were repelled, including attacks on critical infrastructure.
