A major explosion was reported near an Israeli defence facility in the western area of Beit Shemesh near occupied Jerusalem, sending large clouds of fire and smoke into the sky that were visible from miles away on Sunday.
According to a news agency report, the blast occurred close to a sensitive installation where heavy and light rocket engines are reportedly manufactured.
The 24NewsHD TV channel reported that emergency restrictions were imposed in the surrounding area, with the military reportedly limiting the entry of emergency response vehicles following the incident.
The cause of the explosion could not immediately be confirmed, and no official information was released regarding possible casualties or damage at the site.
Israeli authorities later claimed that the incident involved a controlled detonation of explosive material.
However, no further details were provided about the nature of the operation or the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
The blast has drawn attention due to the strategic importance of the facility, which is linked to Israel’s defence manufacturing sector.
Thick smoke and flames rising from the area were reportedly seen from long distances shortly after the explosion occurred.