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A large late-night explosion near Beit Shemesh sparked alarm before Israeli defense company Tomer said it was part of a planned test. The state-owned firm, which produces rocket propulsion systems for key Israeli missile programs, did not explain why the test was carried out so late at night without advance public notice.
A powerful explosion near Beit Shemesh late Saturday night alarmed residents after a large fireball lit up the sky and a shockwave was felt across the area.
The blast took place around 11:30 p.m. and led some residents to fear that Israel was facing another missile attack.
Defense company Tomer later said the explosion was part of a planned experiment that was carried out as intended.
While the company said the incident was controlled, many residents were upset that no public warning had been issued ahead of the late-night test.
The concern was especially strong in Beit Shemesh, a city that had already suffered during the recent war with Iran.
Videos shared online showed a bright flash followed by a blast that shook windows and startled residents in the Jerusalem hills.
According to an Israeli television report, the test involved rocket propellants, including systems connected to long-range capabilities.
The report did not name its sources, and Tomer did not provide a detailed public explanation of the test.
A company source told Israeli public broadcaster Kan that the explosion was controlled. Still, the timing of the test raised questions among residents and observers.
Tomer is one of Israel’s most important but least visible defense companies.
The company was previously part of Israel Military Industries. When IMI was privatized and sold to Elbit Systems in 2018, Tomer remained under state ownership so Israel could keep direct control over sensitive rocket propulsion technology.
Tomer develops and manufactures propulsion systems used in some of Israel’s most important defense programs, including components for the Arrow missile defense system, Barak MX interceptors, and artillery rockets produced by Elbit Systems.
The company has seen a major rise in activity since the October 7 war began.
Tomer previously reported annual sales of about NIS 550 million, or roughly $173 million, and has expanded production capacity as demand grew from the IDF and foreign customers.
The company also added around 250 workers during the conflict, bringing its workforce to about 800 employees.
Tomer is led by CEO Mordi Ben Ami and chaired by Roni Moreno.
This was not the first major explosion linked to the site.
According to Kan, a similar blast occurred at the facility in 2021. Tomer also described that incident as a planned test, with no injuries or unexpected damage reported.
The latest blast comes at a tense time for Israel, with the confrontation with Iran still unresolved and the public highly sensitive to any loud explosion or fireball in the sky.
For Israel’s defense establishment, Tomer remains a key part of the country’s missile and rocket production base. For residents nearby, the incident raised a simpler question: why was such a powerful test carried out late at night without clearer notice?
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