Lowest Number of Monthly Attacks in 5 Years Recorded in West Bank

Latest Developments

Drop in Attacks: The West Bank has seen a sharp decline in terrorist attacks in 2025, as the IDF’s Operation “Iron Wall” continues to dismantle terror infrastructure across the territory. According to a new report from the Israeli security establishment, just 46 attacks were recorded in April 2025 — only three of which were considered significant — marking the lowest monthly total in five years. By comparison, the West Bank averaged 214 terrorist attacks per month in 2023, dropping to 115 in 2024, and further declining to just 57 in 2025.
‘Iron Wall’s’ Results: The decline in West Bank terrorist attacks can be partly attributed to the IDF’s Operation “Iron Wall,” launched in January 2025. Since the operation began, over 100 terrorists have been killed and approximately 320 suspects arrested, according to the IDF. More broadly, since the Hamas atrocities of October 7, 2023, over 700 terrorists have been eliminated in the northern West Bank, which includes the Palestinian towns of Jenin, Tulkarem, Qalqilya, Tubas, Nur Shams, and Balata. However, there has been an increase in terror alerts in southern areas of the West Bank, particularly Hebron, which is considered a Hamas stronghold.
Terror Attacks Persist Nonetheless: Despite the overall drop in terrorism in the West Bank, attacks continue. Two IDF soldiers were wounded on May 7 when a Palestinian terrorist opened fire near the Reihan checkpoint in the northern part of the territory. In a separate incident later that day, another IDF soldier was wounded when a Palestinian terrorist carried out a car-ramming and stabbing attack before being eliminated by Israeli soldiers. On May 8, the IDF said that it had apprehended the suspect behind the Reihan shooting following an overnight manhunt. Separately, an Israeli Arab man was killed while shopping in the West Bank village of Barta’a on May 7, prompting a joint investigation by the Israel Police and the IDF to identify and arrest those responsible.

FDD Expert Response

“Nearly four months into the IDF’s ‘Iron Wall’ operation in the West Bank, indicators suggest the campaign is yielding strategic results. While the clearest outcomes are visible on the ground through disrupted terrorist infrastructure and arrests, a significant yet less visible success metric lies in the online domain. Propaganda outlets managed by Iranian-backed terrorist groups such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and their affiliates have markedly declined in output. This trend suggests that Israeli efforts have not only disrupted operational capabilities but also undermined the propaganda networks used to incite violence and recruit supporters, particularly among West Bank youth.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“The IDF is working to root out and eliminate terrorist cells in northern West Bank hotspots, such as Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nablus, while also maintaining a presence to prevent any resurgence. However, this strategy has already begun — and will likely continue — to push terrorist organizations into quieter areas with less recent violence, particularly in the southern West Bank. The IDF should remain vigilant when it comes to these shifts in terror activity.” — Aaron Goren, Research Analyst and Editor