Fact Check: Iranian missile strike devastates Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science.

Fact Check: Iranian missile strike devastates Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science

What We Know

On June 19, 2025, the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, was struck by an Iranian missile, resulting in significant damage to multiple laboratories and research facilities. Reports indicate that while there were no fatalities, the strike obliterated years of scientific research and sent a stark warning to Israeli scientists about their vulnerability in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel (AP News, Washington Post). The attack targeted two buildings, including one housing life sciences labs and another that was under construction for chemistry studies, with dozens of other buildings also suffering damage (Economic Times, Times of Israel).

The Weizmann Institute is recognized as a leading research institution, often referred to as Israel's "crown jewel of science," and has been associated with numerous significant scientific advancements, including the development of Israel's first computer in 1954 (AP News, Washington Post). The missile strike has been described as a "moral victory" for Iran, highlighting the escalating tensions and the targeting of scientific institutions as part of the broader conflict (AP News, Hindustan Times).

Analysis

The credibility of the reports surrounding the missile strike comes from multiple reputable sources, including major news outlets like the Associated Press and the Washington Post, which have a long history of reliable reporting on international conflicts. The details provided in these articles are corroborated by eyewitness accounts from scientists at the institute, such as Professor Oren Schuldiner, who described the destruction of his lab as "entirely gone" and emphasized the loss of significant research (AP News, Hindustan Times).

Furthermore, experts like Yoel Guzansky, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, have commented on the implications of the strike, suggesting that it represents a shift in the conflict where scientific institutions are now targets, mirroring Israel's previous tactics against Iranian nuclear scientists (AP News, Washington Post). This analysis is supported by the historical context of the ongoing shadow war between the two nations, where both have engaged in targeting each other's scientific and military personnel.

While the reports are consistent across various platforms, it is important to note that the situation is still developing, and the full extent of the damage and its implications for future research at the institute may take time to assess. However, the immediate evidence of destruction and the statements from those directly affected lend strong support to the claim that the Weizmann Institute has been severely impacted by the missile strike.

Conclusion

The claim that an Iranian missile strike devastated Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the strike caused extensive damage to the institute, impacting significant scientific research and sending a clear message regarding the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.

Fact Check: Iranian missile strike devastates Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science.