Israel test-fired a ballistic missile on Wednesday, at the Palmahim Israel Defense Forces base in central Israel. The test was part of an examination of a new missile currently being developed by the defense establishment.

The missile left behind a fire trail that could be seen throughout central Israel.

Open gallery view IDF test-fires ballistic missile in central Israel, November 2, 2011. Credit: Ilan Assayag

The Defense Ministry said the trial was preplanned and has no connection to recent events and media publications such as those regarding the possible attack on Iran.

A Defense Ministry official declined to comment on the type of rocket tested.

Israel successfully test-fired a two-stage, long-range ballistic missile in 2008.

Israel is widely believed, according to foreign reports, to have missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, civilian "Shavit" rockets used to launch satellites and the Arrow missile interceptor.

The launch coincided with mounting speculation in Israel that its leaders could be preparing a military attack on Iran to curb a nuclear program they say is aimed at producing atomic weapons. Iran says its nuclear activities are peaceful.

קראו כתבה זו בעברית: מערכת הביטחון קיימה ניסוי בשיגור רקטי בפלמחים