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FakeReporter was started in 2020 by Achiya Schatz with five friends.[3] Schatz started the organization after witnessing the toxicity of online attacks againstBreaking the Silence, an IsraeliNGO publishing testimony byIsrael Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers about Israel's conduct in theIsraeli-occupied territories.[4]
In 2021, FakeReporter reported on an Iranian disinformation campaign where Iranian agents infiltrated online spaces onWhatsApp andTelegram used by Israeli activists.[5] In December 2022, FakeReporter andHaaretz identified IDF soldiers as being behind two Twitter accounts used to harass left-wing activists and Israeli journalists since that November.[6] In 2023, a joint FakeReporter andCNN investigation of theHuwara rampage byIsraeli settlers in February revealed that the IDF took little action during the rampage.[7]
During the 2025Iran–Israel war, FakeReporter uncovered an Iranian influence network of 3,000Twitter accounts posing as Israelis expressing opposition to the war and blaming Israeli prime ministerBenjamin Netanyahu.[2]
Founder
Achiya Schatz (born 1984 or 1985[4]) was raised as anOrthodox Jew, but later left the tradition.[11] In his youth, Schatz was aBoy Scout counsellor.[12] He served in the IDF'sDuvdevan Unit from 2005 to 2008,[13] and became an emissary for theJewish Agency for Israel.[12] After completing his IDF service, Schatz made contact with Breaking the Silence. During Breaking the Silence's tour of theWest Bank, he visited theCarmel settlement he had guarded as a soldier, and met with thePalestinian residents of the neighbouring village ofUmm al-Khair.[12]
Schatz lives with his wife and their two children.[4][3] During theGaza war, Schatz and his family moved to his in-laws' residence outsideTel Aviv.[4] He has been listed as a Giraffe Hero by theGiraffe Heroes Project.[16]
Operation
FakeReporter operates as anon-profit organization.[4] As of 2023, FakeReporter had 15 full-time members, with over 3,000 volunteers who flag images and videos suspected of being false and misleading. Trained experts then analyse the posts to determine if they are fake.[4] In 2024, the group started accepting reports in Arabic.[3]
FakeReporter tracks the activities ofIsraeli far-right groups.[7] Prior to the Gaza war, FakeReporter focused on helping people targeted with online harassment for speaking out against Israeli government corruption.[4]
During its first year, FakeReporter operated full-time and unpaid. In 2021, FakeReporter started relying on grants and donations to help fund its work.[3] FakeReporter receives funding from theNew Israel Fund.[17]
