Israel’s Tomer defence company causes a stir with a rocket engine experiment near Beit Shemesh
Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in this undated handout picture released on February 24, 2024. Israel Defense Forces/Handout via REUTERS
A large explosion near the central Israeli city of Beit Shemesh late Saturday was part of a pre-planned and controlled test, according to a statement by state-owned Tomer defence company that was cited by The Times of Israel.
Videos on social media showed flames and a large plume of smoke rising from the area following the blast, which was heard in nearby communities.
Massive Mushroom Explosion Rocks Beit Shemesh West of Al-Quds
A massive explosion rocked the town of Beit Shemesh west of Al-Quds on Saturday, sending a large mushroom cloud billowing into the sky. Emergencies were blocked from reaching the scene of the blast. pic.twitter.com/8V622u5iMD
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) May 17, 2026
The Times of Israel said the explosion occurred at a testing ground belonging to Tomer, a company that develops rocket and missile engines.
The company said the blast was a “pre-planned experiment” that was carried out according to schedule.
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Israel announced on Thursday the signing of a contract worth more than $34 million to develop “an extended-range” capability for the F-35 Adir fighter jet.
The Defence Ministry said in a statement that its Defence Procurement Directorate signed the deal with Cyclone, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems.
The agreement covers “the development of an extended-range capability for the F-35 ‘Adir’ fighter jet, manufactured by Lockheed Martin,” the statement added.
“The deal, valued at over $34 million (over NIS 100 million), covers the development and integration of external fuel tanks based on an existing Cyclone design originally developed for the F-16,” it said.
