A powerful explosion was heard in the Beit Shemesh area on Saturday, causing panic and a wave of rumors.
Many residents, alarmed by the loud blasts, initially believed it was a security incident or a military drill. However, a security official later clarified that the blast had been a controlled explosion at a private factory, as part of a planned test by the government defense company Tomer.
The company, which operates security facilities and testing areas in the Beit Shemesh area, specializes, among other things, in the development and testing of rocket engines for major defense and attack missiles, including Arrow missiles, air defense missiles, and artillery rockets.
Despite these assurances, no notice had gone out to Beit Shemesh residents.
Reports circulating of destroyed missile stockpile
Additionally, reports have circulated the theory that the explosion may have destroyed a stockpile of Arrow-3 surface-to-air missiles.
Footage on social media showed a fireball exploding in the distance, followed by panic and concern among residents as the powerful explosions lit up the entire area.
Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.