Tomer Says Jerusalem-Area Blast Was Planned Test, With 0 Injuries Reported
Updated
Updated · News18 · May 17
Tomer Says Jerusalem-Area Blast Was Planned Test, With 0 Injuries Reported
4 articles · Updated · News18 · May 17
A massive fireball and explosion at Tomer’s testing ground near Beit Shemesh on Saturday night was described by the state-owned Israeli defence company as a pre-planned experiment carried out on schedule.
Videos showing a towering smoke plume and visible shockwaves spread rapidly online, fueling speculation that the blast at the missile- and rocket-engine site was sabotage or a serious accident.
Tomer and Israeli authorities said there was no security breach, no irregular incident, no injuries and no damage to nearby civilian areas.
The blast drew extra scrutiny because of regional tensions involving Iran and a string of mysterious explosions at sensitive Israeli sites in recent years.
Amidst a ceasefire, was the blast at Israel's rocket facility a strategic show of force or a critical security failure?
As Iran's new leader vows revenge, could this 'controlled test' actually be the first strike in a renewed conflict?