Damages
The Planetary Sciences Building of Weizmann Institute which contained the geochemistry laboratories along with other chemistry-related programs, suffered significant damage due to the shock waves generated by the missiles. Overall, approximately 90 percent of the Weizmann Institute’s structures experienced some level of damage—ranging from direct missile impacts to collateral consequences like shock waves, shrapnel, and fires. This damage included broken windows, collapsed laboratory floors, ruined electrical systems, and water damage resulting from firefighting efforts. [8]
As stated by Alon Khen, the director of the institute, Iranian missile strikes have resulted in the destruction of 22 laboratories, 112 university buildings, and two primary administration structures. Consequently, around 25% of the institute's operations have been suspended, leading to the loss of essential data. [9]
The head and researchers of the Weizmann Institute, presenting at a session of the Knesset Finance Committee, declared that the damage inflicted on the institute amounts to two billion shekels (approximately $600 million). [9]
Activities
The Weizmann Institute is one of the most important scientific centers in Israel. It was founded in 1934 by Chaim Weizmann as the Daniel Seif Research Institute, but was renamed in 1949 after its founder and later the first president of Israel. The institute's research is said to be part of the infrastructure of Israel's national security and military, and is funded by the government. The advanced technologies at the institute are used in complex military systems, including artificial intelligence for data analysis and combat guidance, drone technologies and autonomous systems, advanced electronic tracking and jamming tools, and alternative GPS navigation systems. [10]
The Israeli and Western media frequently highlight the institute's work in both basic and applied sciences—such as physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics—while minimizing its military applications. Nevertheless, the Weizmann Institute has well-documented connections to the Israeli military through partnerships with military contractors like Elbit Systems, engaging in research related to artificial intelligence, drone technology, multi-purpose innovations, and nuclear research. [8]
Reaction
Yoel Gazansky, a specialist in Iranian affairs at the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies, stated that the Weizmann Institute has consistently been regarded as a "symbol of Israel's scientific and technological advancement," and that Iran conveyed through this attack that "if you harm our scientists, we will retaliate by targeting your scientific personnel." [9]
The Associated Press reported in an article entitled "Iranian Missile Hits Israeli Scientific and Technical Jewel": For years, Israel has been targeting the architects of Iran's nuclear program with the aim of halting it. Consequently, scientists at this leading Israeli research institution are now facing the threat of Iranian assaults. [9]
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