Over 900 terror attacks foiled in Jerusalem and Judea in 2024

In 2024, a significant geopolitical shift occurred in the Middle East following the collapse of the Syrian regime under Islamist rebels. This event not only changed the landscape of the region but also significantly weakened Iran's influence alongside its key military ally, Hezbollah, based in Lebanon. Amidst this backdrop, tragedy unfolded in Gaza due to ongoing military operations by Israel, which resulted in substantial civilian casualties, including numerous children. The Israeli government justified its military actions as necessary due to perceived existential threats from Hamas and its allied groups, particularly after a devastating surprise attack by Hamas in October 2023 that killed many Israelis. The Shin Bet, Israel's internal security agency, released a report revealing that they managed to thwart more than 1,000 terror attacks throughout the country during the year. Specifically, 1,040 significant attacks were foiled in regions including Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. This included a range of attempted attacks such as bombings, shootings, and stabbings. The agency attributed the increase in foiling terror attacks to their enhanced counter-terrorism operations, which also led to a significant drop in successful attacks by 40% compared to the previous year. More than 1,350 individuals suspected of terrorist activities were detained during this period. The rise in Iranian-backed activities and the destabilized situation in the region have raised concerns over potential future conflicts, as many regional actors are wary of the changes brought by the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. There are fears among neighboring countries that the new governance structures in Syria may inspire change elsewhere, leading to a rise of regimes that could threaten their own regimes. According to analysts, whoever manages to establish control in Syria will likely play a pivotal role in influencing the broader dynamics of the Middle East, an area heavily interwoven with conflict, sectarian tensions, and overlapping political alliances. As Israel continues its military campaigns, operations directly targeting prominent terrorist leaders, particularly those aligned with Hamas and other factions, have intensified, with the Shin Bet reporting successful operations that included the elimination of senior operatives. These actions are also linked to efforts to recover hostages taken during previous conflicts as Israel aims to assert its strength in the face of ongoing threats. Asia's shifting power dynamics and the regional military strategies being deployed indicate a complex future where terrorism and political instability remain paramount challenges to security and governance across the Middle East.