Sharp Rise in Hamas Attempts to Abduct IDF Soldiers

(Ynet News) Yossi Yehoshua - The Israel Security Agency reported 33 unsuccessful attempts to kidnap IDF soldiers in the West Bank since the beginning of the year, compared with 24 thwarted attempts during all of 2012, Yediot Ahronot reported Friday. Senior officials said the prisoner exchange deal which secured the release of Gilad Shalit encouraged Hamas to attempt additional kidnappings.