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Huge Blast at Israeli Rocket-Testing Site Was Planned, Officials Say

The site builds rocket engines for Israeli defense programs.

Overview

  • Videos from central Israel showed a towering fireball and shockwave after an explosion at Tomer’s testing ground near Beit Shemesh on Saturday night.
  • Tomer said the detonation was a pre-planned test carried out as scheduled with no injuries, no damage in nearby communities, and no external involvement.
  • At least one report said emergency services were initially blocked from reaching the area, a claim that fed local concern.
  • Viral clips fueled speculation of sabotage, and Iranian outlets Press TV and Tasnim questioned the official account in their coverage.
  • Tomer makes rocket and missile engines, including for the Arrow air-defense system, which makes activity at the site strategically sensitive.