Residents across the Beit Shemesh region and the Judean foothills were jolted late Motzei Shabbos by a massive explosion that lit up the night sky and triggered widespread panic.

The powerful blast, which occurred shortly before 11:00 p.m., was accompanied by an enormous flash of light and what witnesses described as a massive fireball rising into the air. Videos circulating rapidly on social media showed the dramatic explosion visible from miles away.

Following growing concern and speculation, a security official clarified that the incident was the result of a “controlled explosion” carried out in the area.

A short time later, an official statement was released by “Tomer,” the government-linked defense industry company where the blast reportedly occurred.

“This was a pre-planned test carried out according to schedule,” the company stated.

According to Israeli journalist Itay Blumental, the explosion took place at a facility belonging to Tomer, a major Israeli defense manufacturer responsible for developing propulsion systems for a wide range of defensive and offensive missile systems used on land, at sea, in the air, and in space.

Among the systems developed by the company are engines for the Arrow missile defense system, Ofek satellites, and advanced rocket systems including Rampage, Hever, and Barak MX.

Despite the official explanation, many residents — and even some within the security establishment — questioned the timing of such an unusually powerful nighttime explosion, especially amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing reports over the weekend regarding preparations tied to possible military action involving Iran.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)