No, Mossad HQ has not been 'completely destroyed'

Context

Since Iran launched a missile attack against Israel on the evening of October 1, 2024, claims have circulated on social media about the extent of the damage caused. One Instagram post falsely claims that the headquarters of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) spy unit, known as Mossad HQ, was destroyed in the attack. 

"BREAKING: 🇮🇷🇮🇱 Mossad headquarters has been completely destroyed!" the caption says. The post includes an aerial photo of Mossad HQ. A different version of the same claim has also been posted on X (formerly Twitter). 

Iran launched 180 missiles targeting three military bases in the Tel Aviv area. One of the missiles landed near Mossad HQ, but journalists on the ground reported that the missile created a large crater just outside the headquarters. Mossad HQ itself was not impacted.

What we found 

PBS NewsHour foreign affairs and defense correspondent Nick Schifrin reported live from outside Mossad HQ on October 1 shortly after the missile attack. In the report, he showed a large crater in the ground where a missile landed a few hundred feet from the entrance of Mossad HQ. However, the Mossad building behind him was completely intact.

PBS journalist Nick Schifrin reporting from in front of Mossad HQ following an Iranian missile landing near the building. The building is visible in the right corner and is intact (Source: X)

The IDF later confirmed that a "few" hits were recorded in central and northern Israel and two people were injured. However, they added that the majority of missiles were intercepted and that no weapons, aircraft, or critical infrastructure was damaged. No deaths were recorded. 

Logically Facts has reached out to the IDF for comment. 

The verdict

In the aftermath of the Iranian missile attack on Israel, social media users have claimed that Mossad HQ was completely destroyed. However reporters on the ground confirmed that while a missile had struck close to the headquarters, it had hit a few hundred feet in front of the building and the building itself had remained unharmed. We have therefore rated this claim false.