Iranian strikes hit the core of Israeli scientific research: Haaretz

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
1 Jul 2025 17:33
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Iranian strikes caused extensive damage to Israeli universities and research institutes, halting key projects and threatening "Israel's" academic ties with Europe.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the site of the Weizmann Institute of Science, which was hit by missiles fired from Iran, in Rehovot, on Friday, June 20, 2025. (AP)

Universities and research institutes in "Israel" have become direct targets of Iranian strikes during the recent war, which led to extensive destruction of laboratories and academic buildings, with damages estimated in the hundreds of millions of shekels, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported on Tuesday.

Experts are warning of a long-term crisis in the scientific research sector, the report indicated.

Scientific research at the heart of Iranian targeting

According to Haaretz, some of "Israel's" most prominent defense systems, including the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, originated from academic research at universities.

It noted that universities, particularly Ben-Gurion University, serve as key training grounds for air force pilots and senior intelligence officers.

“For the first time, we are truly being targeted,” said Professor Daniel Chamovitz, President of the Association of University Heads, referring to Iranian precision strikes that hit the Weizmann Institute, Ben-Gurion University, Tel Aviv University, and the Technion.

Widespread damage, dozens of labs out of service

The Haaretz report highlighted that the Weizmann Institute suffered partial destruction in 45 laboratories, with 20 others damaged. Iranian missiles also struck the medical school at Ben-Gurion University and residential buildings for faculty members.

Direct material losses are estimated in the tens or even hundreds of millions of shekels, in addition to the suspension of vital research due to the absence of foreign scientists and students.

Material, human, and diplomatic losses

Chamovitz categorized the impact into three levels: destruction of infrastructure and equipment, halted research due to researcher departures, and damaged academic relations, especially with Europe, where "Israel" now faces potential exclusion from major funding programs such as Horizon 2020.

Haaretz also mentioned that academics from the University of Haifa, the Technion, and Bar-Ilan University reported disrupted scientific experiments and the forced departure of graduate students, either leaving "Israel" or joining the reserve army.

“Experiments have stopped completely, except for critical projects that have been ongoing for years,” confirmed Professor Yaron Shav-Tal.

Government legislation deepens academic crisis

Chamovitz also expressed concern that the Israeli occupation government itself is undermining academic freedom through a wave of legislation that limits university autonomy and reduces funding.

He emphasized that universities have always been integral to the Israeli project, warning that “harming them is a blow to both the security and scientific establishments.”