After the Alarming Blast Near Beit Shemesh, Officials Decide the Public Should Be Warned Ahead of Future Tests

The government defense company "Tomer" held a special meeting today (Sunday) with officials from the defense establishment, and at its conclusion a decision was made to examine a mechanism that would allow the public to be notified in advance of future tests that could cause alarm. The decision came after the overnight test carried out last night, which triggered a wave of fear, questions, and rumors on social media.

The unusual test took place on Saturday night, around 11:00 p.m., against the backdrop of reports of possible preparations for renewed fighting מול Iran. A fireball seen in the sky led to a flood of speculation online, along with various claims directed at the military censor as well, alleging that publication of details about what was happening had been blocked.

At "Tomer," officials clarified that this was a "pre-planned test" carried out in accordance with all operational plans, and that there was no uncontrolled explosion. The company, which manufactures, among other things, rocket engines, including engines for the Arrow interceptors used by Israel to intercept ballistic missiles, explained that in recent weeks the operational need has increased, and accordingly it was decided to significantly ramp up the pace of activity.

According to company officials, "due to the operational need," they recently began conducting tests "around the clock," including during nighttime hours, in order to meet the required production pace. It was also stated that the decision to conduct the test at night was made as part of the effort to increase the rate of production.

Company officials said that details of the test cannot be made public "for reasons of secrecy," but emphasized that the activity took place at a distance of at least five kilometers from populated areas. According to them, the "apocalyptic appearance" documented in the sky was caused by the weather conditions and humidity that prevailed in the area at that hour.

According to the company, before the activity was carried out, an update was sent to the IDF, the police, the fire and rescue services, and the Defense Ministry, but the public did not receive advance notice. Following the intensity of the public reaction, it has now been decided to build, together with the Defense Ministry, a mechanism that would make it possible to send notices to the public before similar tests in the future, especially when it מדובר in activities that could be interpreted as a security incident.

The Defense Ministry said in response: "This was a pre-planned test carried out according to plan. The issue of notifying the public in advance will be examined with the company."