A Sword Never Kills Anybody: A Rational Choice Analysis of Run-over Terrorist Attacks in Israel

• In Event: Lone-Actor Terrorist Attacks: Empirical Findings and Policy Implications

Abstract

The phenomenon of lone terrorist fundamentalist actors has increased dramatically in volume and had severe consequences over the last decade. While this form of terrorism is receiving growing public attention, security agencies are experiencing difficulties in coping effectively with it. Scholars addressing this challenge have mostly examined the psychological profile and personal-circumstances of lone-wolf attackers, with limited empirical foundation. The present study presents an analysis of 60 run-over lone wolf attacks, which took place in Israel between 2000 and 2016. Using these attacks as a case study, we identify the characteristics of the situational conditions of lone wolf terrorism. We then apply this situational analysis to explore lone-actors decision making before and during the attack. We find that these choices are an outcome of specific opportunities, as perceived by the terrorists, to commit such acts of terror. Moreover, lone attackers make their decisions to engage in acts of terror in particular settings, and are not compelled to do so because of their individual biological, psychological or social characteristics.

Authors

• Simon Perry, Institute of Criminology, The Hebrew University

• Badi Hasisi, The Hebrew University

• Gali Perry, Cambridge University / Hebrew University of Jerusalem