Amid Iran tensions, huge explosion rocks Jerusalem suburb

Many locals criticized authorities for failing to provide advance warning before the nighttime explosion.

By World Israel News Staff

A massive explosion and fireball shook residents of Beit Shemesh on Saturday evening, following what a local defense company said was a “pre-planned” test.

At around 11:30 p.m., the sky near the Jerusalem suburb was lit up by large plumes of smoke and a bright orange glow, alarming residents who reported being caught off guard by the blast.

Tomar Defense Industries, a state-owned defense manufacturing firm, later said in a statement that residents should not be alarmed, describing the incident as “a pre-planned experiment that was carried out according to plan.”

Despite the company’s reassurance, many residents criticized authorities for failing to provide advance warning about the explosion, which occurred without notice and caused widespread concern.

It remains unclear why the test was conducted so late at night.

According to a report by Channel 12 News, the experiment involved rocket propellants used in long-range projectiles capable of traveling thousands of kilometers.

Defense journalist Udi Etzion sharply criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the event, warning that the handling of the situation risked undermining public trust.

Writing in the Hebrew-language outlet Walla, Etzion said that unlike other defense companies such as Rafael, which routinely inform nearby communities of potentially disruptive testing, Tomar had remained silent in the hours after the blast.

He added that the company’s response “does not really inspire trust,” arguing that “in 2026, even major security firms” must recognize their responsibility to keep civilians informed and “operate as transparently as possible.”

Defense firms “must remember that they serve the residents, and not the other way around,” Etzion wrote.

During the recent conflict with Iran, Beit Shemesh was targeted by missile fire, including intercepted projectiles and falling fragments that landed in the city.

Just two days after the outbreak of hostilities, a direct Iranian missile strike on a bomb shelter in Beit Shemesh killed nine people, including three children from the same family.