Fact-Check: "Israel did 9/11"
What We Know
The claim that "Israel did 9/11" is a conspiracy theory that has been widely circulated since the September 11 attacks in 2001. The official investigation into the attacks, documented in the 9/11 Commission Report, concluded that the attacks were orchestrated by the terrorist group al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden. The report provides a comprehensive account of the events leading up to the attacks and identifies the hijackers as members of al-Qaeda, with no evidence linking Israel to the planning or execution of the attacks.
Further, a FBI report from the 9/11 Review Commission confirms that the investigation found no credible evidence to support claims that any foreign government or entity, including Israel, was involved in the attacks. The report emphasizes that the attacks were the result of a complex plot by al-Qaeda, which had been planning the operation for years.
In the years following the attacks, various conspiracy theories emerged, including those suggesting Israeli involvement. These theories often stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of facts, as noted by the Anti-Defamation League, which highlights that such claims are rooted in antisemitic tropes and have been debunked by credible sources.
Analysis
The assertion that Israel was involved in the 9/11 attacks lacks credible evidence and is contradicted by multiple authoritative sources. The 9/11 Commission Report is a primary source that provides a detailed investigation into the attacks, concluding that they were perpetrated by al-Qaeda. This conclusion is supported by extensive evidence, including communications intercepted by intelligence agencies and testimonies from key figures involved in the investigation.
Additionally, the Brookings Institution discusses how the Bush administration misled the public regarding Iraq's connection to 9/11, but it does not support any claims of Israeli involvement. Instead, it emphasizes that the focus on Iraq was a misdirection that had no basis in the reality of the attacks.
On the other hand, conspiracy theories suggesting Israeli involvement often rely on anecdotal evidence, misinterpretations of events, and a lack of understanding of the geopolitical context. For example, a BBC article discusses how conspiracy theories about 9/11 have gained traction online, but it does not provide any factual basis for the claims of Israeli involvement.
Moreover, the Wikipedia page on 9/11 conspiracy theories outlines various theories that attribute the attacks to different parties, including Israel, but these theories are widely discredited and lack substantial evidence. They often reflect broader societal issues, such as prejudice and misinformation.
Conclusion
The claim that "Israel did 9/11" is False. The overwhelming evidence from credible investigations, including the 9/11 Commission Report and the FBI's findings, clearly attribute the attacks to al-Qaeda and its operatives. No credible evidence supports the notion of Israeli involvement, and such claims are often rooted in conspiracy theories that misrepresent facts and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
Sources
- 9-11 Review Commission Report (Unclassified)
- THE 9/11 COMMISSION REPORT
- 9/11 and Iraq: The making of a tragedy
- The one thing I did not question was the Middle East ...
- The people who think 9/11 may have been an 'inside job'
- 9/11 conspiracy theories
- Antisemitic Conspiracies About 9/11 Endure 20 Years Later
- The Blogs: How Did The Find Out: Israel Behind 9/11
