Israeli Lawmakers Inspect Huge Damage at Weizmann Institute Following Iranian Missile Strikes
Israeli legislators have toured the remains of the prestigious Weizmann Institute of Science, a military-associated site, which was destroyed in Iran's retaliatory missile attacks on the occupied territories.
On Sunday, the Science and Technology Committee of the Israeli Knesset, under the leadership of Yasir Hujeirat, conducted an inspection of the institute that had been severely impacted and incapacitated by Iran’s precision missile attacks on June 15.
During the visit, Institute President Alon Chen briefed Israeli lawmakers on the extensive damage, describing it as unparalleled and estimating the cost to be between 1.5 and 2 billion shekels, approximately $450 to $600 million.
Several laboratories have been entirely closed following the shockwaves from the missile impact, representing a significant setback for Israel’s scientific research community, he noted.
Chen has urged for emergency funding, highlighting that approximately 60 percent of foreign researchers have departed following Iran’s retaliatory attacks against last month’s Israeli-US actions.
He reported that approximately 112 buildings on the institute’s campus sustained damage, with five structures severely affected, including one that suffered a complete collapse.
Numerous structures sustained varying degrees of damage, leading to the shutdown of essential infrastructure. Furthermore, 52 research laboratories and six service facilities were rendered inoperative.
Hujeirat expressed regret over the necessity of the visit, citing significant destruction resulting from an Iranian assault, and remarked that they would have preferred to come under more favorable circumstances.
The Weizmann Institute of Science, widely regarded as a leading scientific institution within Israel, has historically maintained strong connections with both the nation’s military and its Mossad intelligence agency.
The collaboration has been broadened to include Elbit Systems, a prominent weapons manufacturer with operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other regions worldwide.
The Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites, including an institute, across territories described as occupied, in response to the 12-day conflict initiated by Israel against the Islamic Republic beginning on June 13. The United States officially entered the confrontation on June 22.
On June 24, Iran executed successful retaliatory operations against both Israel and the United States, effectively putting a stop to the unauthorized acts of aggression.
