Israel Tests Rocket Propulsion System for Intercepting Missiles

The Defense Ministry Tuesday morning carried out a test of a new rocket propulsion system that probably is connected with missile interceptors.

Officials were mum on details other than to say, "The test was planned by the defense establishment long in advance, and was carried out as planned,"

It is known that a test of the Arrow 2 missile defense system last year did not make a direct hit on its target. An Arrow 3 anti-missile test in December was aborted because of a safety issue concerning the target missile.

The test also could be connected with the Jericho ballistic missile system, which can carry a nuclear warhead, Yediot Acharonot reported.

This morning's test was carried out in central Israel, in view of motorists on the way to work.