IDF successfully tests ballistic missile

Previous similar missile tests included Hetz ("Arrow") missile tests. The Hetz aims to intercept mid-to-long range missiles, like the kind used by Hezbollah. The Defense Ministry did not confirm whether Wednesday’s test fire involved a Hetz system.

Foreign media reports suggested that Israel might have tested its surface-to-surface Jericho missiles. The report was neither confirmed nor denied by the Defense Ministry.

The white tail of smoke left across the sky by the rocket was seen across large parts of central Israel, sparking mass public interest.

Concerned citizens who contacted Ynet ventured that the missile might have been evidence of the Iron Dome system scrambling to intercept a Gaza-fired rocket, and some even speculated that it had something to do with the recent reports suggesting the government was mulling a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Chief of Staff Major-General Hassan Fairouz Abadi commented Wednesday on reported Israeli threats to strike against Iran and warned that Tehran would "punish Israel surprisingly" for any kind of "mistake."

According to the Abadi, "Even though the likelihood for such an attack is low, we see the threat as a serious threat and are on full alert."

He added that "America knows that a Zionist military strike in Iran would cause it major damages in addition to the damages caused to this regime."