Weizmann Institute, targeted in Iranian attack, hosts technological hub of Israeli nuclear research

ISTANBUL / ANKARA

Allegations have come to the fore that the Weizmann Institute of Science, damaged in Iran's missile attacks, is linked to nuclear research and military projects.

Founded in 1934, the Weizmann Institute of Science is named after Chaim Weizmann, one of the leading figures of the Zionist movement, who was also the founder of the institute and Israel's first president.

Described by the Israeli press as the country's “technological backbone” and “strategic base,” the institute is known for its research in fundamental sciences such as physics, chemistry, and biology.

Israel's official stance is to deny possessing nuclear weapons capabilities.

In the work of many organizations, such as the US-based Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control and the Institute for Middle East Policy Studies, the Weizmann Institute is associated with the nuclear research center located near Dimona in the Negev Desert.

- Bergmann: Father of Israel's nuclear program

Israeli scientist Ernst David Bergmann is recognized as the “father of Israel's nuclear program.”

In a 2014 joint study by the University of Cincinnati in the US and Tel Aviv University in Israel, Bergmann's influence on Israel's policies was evaluated as a mentor to the institute's fundamental research.

According to the study, Bergmann, who was the first chairman of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission in 1952, emphasized the importance of training Israeli scientists with a background in nuclear physics as the foundation for Israel's steps toward developing nuclear weapons.

Bergmann, who was also one of the founders of the nuclear research center in Dimona, utilized the research infrastructure and human resources at the Weizmann Institute to launch and develop the country's nuclear program.

Bergmann became interested in this issue after the US government of the time published the Smyth Report on atomic bombs, and in this context, he reached an agreement with former President Weizmann to send institute personnel to France and Sweden to receive training in nuclear chemistry.

Thanks to the intensive efforts of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), in 1994 the US administration approved the sale of a total of nine supercomputers to industries related to nuclear and missile programs, including the Technion University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel, as well as the Weizmann Institute.

- Institute also plays key role in military projects

According to information on the Weizmann Institute's official website, the institution is Israel's most important scientific research facility.

The institute plays an important role in advanced weapons and military technology research and development.

The institute's strategic value lies in its cutting-edge military research and development work.

The Weizmann Institute of Science collaborates with leading companies such as the Israeli army and the Israel-based defense company Elbit Systems on advanced technology development.

The institute also contributes to the development of Israel's drone technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

- Israel-Iran conflict

Tensions have escalated since Friday, when Israel launched coordinated airstrikes and drone attacks on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.

Israeli authorities said that at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Iranian missile attacks since Friday.

Iran, for its part, said that at least 224 people have been killed and over 1,000 others wounded in the Israeli assault.