In a dangerous development in the mutual escalation between Iran and Israel, an Iranian missile hit the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, south of Tel Aviv, at dawn on Sunday.
The Weizmann Institute is one of the most important scientific centres in Israel and the world. Its roots date back to 1934, when it was founded by Chaim Weizmann under the name "Daniel Seif Research", before it was renamed in 1949 after its founder, who later became the first president of Israel.
Today, the institute is home to some 2,500 researchers and staff and offers advanced master's and doctoral programmes in fields including mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, biology and computer science. It has more than 30 scientific laboratories, a huge library, as well as residential and lecture facilities.
But the institute is not just an academic facility; it is seen as part of Israel's national security infrastructure, playing a pivotal role in supporting the military through advanced research and technology.
Technological support for the military
The Weizmann Institute is one of the pillars of technological innovation in Israel, directly contributing to the development of complex military systems, including:
- Artificial intelligence for data analysis and combat guidance.
- Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies and autonomous systems.
- Advanced electronic tracking and jamming tools.
- Alternative GPS navigation systems.
- Protection of military codes.
- Encrypted communication in hostile environments.
- Research in directed energy and nuclear applications.
- Development of field treatments for injured soldiers.
These activities partly explain why the institute is considered a strategic target for Tehran, especially after recent Israeli strikes on military facilities and prominent Iranian scientists.
Tight Israeli surveillance
It is notable that the Israeli media did not show pictures or share accurate details about the extent of the damage, in accordance with strict instructions from the military censors that prevent the disclosure of injuries or damage to sensitive facilities.
This reticence reflects the extent of the security embarrassment resulting from the breach of air defences, and highlights the vulnerability of Israeli infrastructure to precise attacks.
Funding and support
The institute is generously funded by the Israeli government, in addition to significant support from international organisations, which enhances its ability to attract minds and develop projects that serve scientific and military progress.
The institute also serves as a platform for international scientific collaborations, which could create diplomatic tension if investigations prove that sensitive internationally supported scientific facilities were directly attacked.
