Lats nigt (Saturday night), Rehovot, a city 20 kilometers south of Tel Aviv, was struck by an Iranian ballistic missile as part of a retaliatory barrage targeting Israel. The attack, which followed Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets, caused significant destruction and prompted extensive rescue operations.
Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, chief of the IDF Home Front Command, announced that a survivor was successfully rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building in Rehovot. Milo emphasized the critical need to adhere to safety protocols, stating, “This is a reminder how important it is to follow the Home Front Command guidelines.” He added, “Difficult days lie ahead, but we are determined. We have the spirit, the strength to act together with you to protect you and continue saving lives.”
Details of the Rehovot Strike and Rescue Efforts
The missile strike in Rehovot caused severe damage, including to a research center at the Weizmann Institute of Science, a prominent Israeli university. The institute’s cancer research center sustained heavy destruction, with reports of a fire engulfing at least one building containing laboratories.
Alan Monziani, a 31-year-old Ph.D. student from Italy residing in a dorm at the institute, described the scene: “One side of the cancer research center was missing most of its walls, it was hard to tell whether it took a direct hit or was struck by shrapnel, because it was engulfed in flames.” The attack was followed by increased security presence around the institute and a strong odor emanating from the facility, suggesting possible chemical or material damage, though these claims remain unverified.
