17.05.2026 01:10
A powerful explosion in the city of Beit Shemesh, in central Israel, caused brief panic. Local sources initially reported that teams were not allowed into the explosion site at a military facility, while Israeli state television KAN revealed the background of the incident. Defense company Tomer stated that the rising flames and smoke resulted from a pre-planned, "controlled and successful" test at a rocket engine testing area.
A massive explosion in the Beit Shemesh region, located west of Jerusalem, caused tense moments in the area.
MILITARY FACILITY SUSPICION CAUSED PANIC
Immediately after the explosion, local sources claimed that Israeli army emergency teams were prevented from entering the site. This situation sparked allegations that the explosion might have occurred at a sensitive military facility being concealed from the outside. Images reflected on social media captured moments of giant flames and a dense cloud of smoke rising from the blast area.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT CAME: PLANNED MISSILE TEST
After the brief panic, Israel's state television KAN shared details of the incident. According to the report, the explosion took place at a test site belonging to Tomer, one of Israel's leading defense companies.
In an official statement from Tomer, which manufactures rocket and missile engines, it was stated that there was no reason for concern. The statement indicated that the explosion was a motor test that had been previously scheduled, conducted in a fully controlled manner, and "successfully concluded."