Fact Check: Multiple buildings at Weizmann Institute severely damaged by missile strike
What We Know
The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, has suffered significant damage due to missile strikes attributed to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Reports indicate that the missile attacks have resulted in the destruction of three key research buildings and substantial damage to numerous other structures on the campus. According to a report from Nature, the missile strike caused "substantial damage" and affected most buildings on the campus. The total estimated damage is reported to be around $570 million, as noted by Calcalistech.
Additionally, the Science journal mentions that two major campus structures specifically designed for chemistry and life sciences were severely impacted. The situation has disrupted research activities significantly, with scientists scrambling to salvage their work, including valuable biological samples.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that multiple buildings at the Weizmann Institute were severely damaged is robust and comes from multiple credible sources. The reports from Nature and Calcalistech provide detailed accounts of the damage, including specifics about the buildings affected and the estimated financial impact. The information is corroborated by Science, which also highlights the context of the missile strikes as retaliatory actions in an escalating conflict.
The credibility of these sources is high, as they are well-established publications in the scientific and news communities. Nature, for instance, is a leading scientific journal known for its rigorous peer-review process, while Calcalistech focuses on technology and business news in Israel, providing reliable insights into local events.
However, it is important to note that while the reports are consistent, the situation is fluid, and ongoing developments could further affect the extent of the damage or the operational status of the Weizmann Institute. For instance, another report from The Times of Israel confirms that while no casualties were reported, the attack resulted in the destruction of critical research facilities, further emphasizing the impact on scientific work at the institute.
Conclusion
The claim that multiple buildings at the Weizmann Institute were severely damaged by missile strikes is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the missile attacks have caused extensive damage to the institute's infrastructure, significantly affecting its research capabilities and leading to substantial financial losses.
Sources
- Escalating Israel-Iran conflict damages science labs - Nature
- Iranian missile strike devastates two buildings at Israel's Weizmann Institute - Science
- Iran strikes Israeli hospital; Trump to decide on US role in ... - Reuters
- Weizmann Institute suffers over $500 million in damage from missile strike - Calcalistech
- Weizmann Institute missile strikes hits EU-funded research - Science Business
- From heart tissue to DNA samples, Weizmann scientists mourn work vaporized in Iran attack - The Times of Israel