Iran targets Israeli security’s brain, hits Weizmann Institute of Science with missiles, destroys labs

A missile fired by Iran struck the prestigious Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, also considered the 'technological backbone' of Israel's security sector, sparking a fire and causing significant damage to a laboratory building on campus, Israeli officials confirmed early Sunday(June 15).

According to the report, "at least one building containing laboratories" was on fire.

The attack occurred amid a broad Iranian missile and drone barrage in retaliation for Israeli strikes earlier in the week on key military and nuclear sites in Iran. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, containing the fire before it could spread further across the historic research institution.


While no casualties have been officially confirmed at the Weizmann Institute, Hebrew-language media reports indicate that emergency crews were still investigating whether people might be trapped inside the affected building.

The Weizmann Institute

The Weizmann Institute, founded in 1934 and known globally for breakthroughs in chemistry, biology, and artificial intelligence, had never before sustained direct damage in a military conflict. According to The New York Times, images reviewed by the publication show at least one laboratory building ablaze following the strike.

This rare and symbolic hit to civilian infrastructure comes as part of a larger and rapidly escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

Just two days earlier, Israeli aircraft reportedly struck more than 100 Iranian targets, including facilities linked to uranium enrichment. Iran’s response came swiftly. The Saturday night barrage included over 150 ballistic missiles and drones. Israeli defense systems intercepted most, but several broke through.

In addition to Rehovot, major impacts were reported in Bat Yam, where at least six people were killed, and dozens remain trapped in the rubble of a collapsed apartment building. Four members of one family died in northern Israel after a missile strike on their home in Tamra.

The Israeli military has not confirmed whether the Weizmann Institute was specifically targeted or struck by accident. Nonetheless, the damage has sparked alarm in the scientific and academic communities.

As of Sunday morning(June 15), Israel’s airspace remains closed, and officials are still working to bring back stranded citizens abroad. The IDF has advised civilians near weapons manufacturing zones in central Israel to evacuate immediately as the threat of further strikes remains.