Shin Bet's Year of Vigilance: Overcoming Threats in Israel

In 2024, Shin Bet thwarted over 1,000 terror plots in Israel, revealing notable cyber and rescue missions across Gaza and Lebanon. Collaborations intensified against an array of security threats including espionage and cyberattacks, leading to significant detentions and intelligence breakthroughs.

In an unprecedented year of heightened vigilance, the Israel Security Agency, known as Shin Bet, successfully thwarted over 1,000 terror attacks on Israeli soil in 2024. The agency's detailed annual report, released on Tuesday, highlights a year marked by a surge in cyber threats and a series of audacious hostage rescue missions in Gaza, as well as specialized operations in Jenin and Lebanon. Among the operations, eight hostages were rescued alive, and 28 bodies were retrieved from Gaza for proper burial, underscoring Shin Bet's critical role in national security.

The report further reveals a troubling increase in cyberattacks against Israel, particularly following Hamas's assault on October 7. The Shin Bet, in collaboration with the Israeli military and the National Cyber Directorate, successfully countered 700 hacking attempts. Of these, 66 percent aimed to spy on Israelis, 32 percent targeted cyber network integrity, and 2 percent consisted of psychological operations like phishing. Over 1,040 terror attacks, predominantly occurring in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, were foiled, including shooting and explosive incidents, stabbings, car-rammings, suicide bombings, and kidnapping plots.

Despite a rise in thwarted activities, overall regional incidents saw a 40 percent decline, attributed to improved coordination between Shin Bet, the army, and other security forces. In Gaza, operations resulted in the arrest of over 1,350 individuals, including senior operatives. Interrogations of suspects yielded actionable intelligence that facilitated successful strikes on terror targets. Additionally, in Lebanon, Shin Bet eliminated high-ranking figures in Palestinian terror organizations. The agency also disrupted espionage activities within Israel, dismantling 13 plots and arresting 37 individuals suspected of spying for Iran, leading to 27 indictments.

(With inputs from agencies.)