30 Years Later: Conspiracy Theories Surrounding the Assassination of Rabin Find New Life

Introduction

As the 30th anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin approaches, the event that shocked an entire nation continues to serve as fertile ground for various conspiracy theories. A new report by the organization Fake Reporter, first unveiled by N12, reveals how these conspiracy narratives are gaining traction on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter). The report suggests that recent news events are being exploited by conspiracy theorists to propagate their ideas.

The Rise of Conspiracy Theories

The Fake Reporter analysis highlights a concerning correlation between online discourse aimed at discrediting the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) and a resurgence in discussions about Rabin’s assassination. Notably, a peak in conservative political discourse was marked by the broadcast of the film “The Shin Bet Knew” by filmmaker Shimon Riklin earlier this year. The report identified several pivotal moments that activated what they term the “poison machine”:

• An attack on Democratic Chairman Yair Golan by right-wing activists at a conference in May.
• The arrest and later release of a protester suspected of threatening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• The assassination of American right-wing activist Charlie Kirk last September.
• The appointment of David Zini as the head of Shin Bet in October.

Social Media Discourse Analysis

Fake Reporter’s analysis reveals that approximately 9,500 tweets related to Rabin’s assassination were posted in 2025 by active conspiracy-focused accounts. The organization categorizes around half of the conversation surrounding Riklin’s film as “conspiratorial.” Alarmingly, 92% of the discussions about the alleged involvement of Shin Bet in Rabin’s murder supported the conspiracy theory. High-profile figures associated with right-leaning views, including Riklin himself, fellow Channel 14 host Arel Segal, and Likud activist Yigal Malka, are identified as key propstartnts of the narratives.

The report stresses the prevalence of numerous social media posts promoting theories that suggest Shin Bet was complicit in Rabin’s murder, successfully reaching wide audiences. In stark contrast, there is a notable dearth of educational and factual content addressing Rabin and the circumstances of his assassination.

Favoring the Assassin

Alongside the increase in conspiracy chatter, the report also notes a troubling trend that idolizes Rabin’s assassin. A TikTok video featuring statements from the assassin garnered around 34,000 likes and thousands of supportive comments. The Fake Reporter team mapped out significant accounts and posts across social media platforms that echo conspiratorial claims about Rabin’s assassination. They also point to traditional media, such as a recent article on the Srogin website, where far-right activist Moshe Feiglin controversially stated that “Shin Bet knew about Yigal Amir and decided to go along with it.”

A Warning of Societal Implications

“Thirty years after Rabin’s assassination, we are witnessing a particularly alarming phenomenon: conspiracy theories are being revitalized under the aegis of social media, spreading to new audiences and distorting historical facts,” warned Nir Rosen, CEO of Fake Reporter. He emphasized the dangers these narratives pose to Israeli society, asserting that they are not merely fringe beliefs but a sustained campaign designed to exploit the vulnerabilities of social media for political gain.

Rosen’s research illustrates how current events deemed irrelevant-like the shooting of Charlie Kirk or the attack on Yair Golan-are seized upon as opportunities to rewrite historical narratives, alongside clumsily executed efforts such as Riklin’s film. “These are not ‘weeds,’ but rather a persistent campaign aimed at leveraging social media’s weaknesses to amass political capital,” he concluded.

The findings in this report serve as a crucial reminder of the enduring influence of conspiracy theories in the digital age, highlighting the necessity for critical engagement with historical narratives and the responsible use of social media.