Results of rocket at Netiv Ha'asara
Photo: Barel Efraim
March sees increase in terror
More attacks compared to February to backdrop of heightened tension in Jerusalem, violence on Gaza border, rockets from Strip
There has been a significant rise in the number of attacks on Israel, according to a report published Thursday by the Shin Bet. Last month, 125 attacks were recorded compared to just 53 in February.
The Shin Bet noted the tension over Jerusalem, the increase in violence at the Gaza border, and the renewed rocket fire from the Gaza Strip as lying behind the increase in numbers.
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The increase has been noted in all regions, but stands out particularly in Jerusalem, where 27 attacks were recorded in March compared to just two in February, and in the Gaza area, where 36 were noted compared to 13 in February. The term "attack" includes a wide range of incidents, from stone throwing to rocket launching.
The report also notes that three people were killed in March in attacks originating from the Gaza Strip: Two IDF soldiers, Major Eliraz Peretz and Staff Sergeant Ilan Sviatkovsky, in the Gaza border incident last week, and the Thai migrant laborer Manee Singmueangphon who was killed by a rocket in Netiv Ha'asara in the middle of the month.
Four other Israelis were wounded in attacks: A civilian and a soldier in the Jerusalem area and two soldiers near the Gaza Strip border.
According to the report, the 36 attacks in the Gaza area included 25 rockets, five mortar shells, five shooting attacks and one anti-tank missile attack. In March, 35 rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel and six mortar shells, compared to five rockets and five shells in February.
In the West Bank and the Jerusalem area, 89 attacks were noted, including three explosive devices, five shooting attacks, two stone-throwing incidents and 79 cases of firebombs being thrown.
