IDF base blast caused by Hizbullah weapons

Ynet learns new details on explosion which left three soldiers injured at military base near Rishon Lezion: Rocket-propelled grenade taken as booty during Second Lebanon War explodes in midst of test aimed at examining force of weapon which threatened IDF tanks during war

Reuters | Published: 02.25.08, 22:29

The circumstances of the explosion which occurred Monday at the IDF's Mivtach 24 base near Rishon Lezion have yet to be clarified, but Ynet had learned new details on the blast, which left three soldiers injured.

The explosion took place as a group of soldiers and officers examined a rocket-propelled grenade antitank weapon. One of the officers was seriously injured in the blast and lost part of his arm.

The weapons tested were taken as booty from Lebanon during the Second Lebanon War. The Syrian army and Hizbullah fighters in southern Lebanon possess such arms, which are considered a significant threat on armored vehicles and tanks.

The test was aimed at examining the force of the weapon and its ability to penetrate armored vehicles.

The test was conducted as part of the army's effort to develop means of protection against rockets which had infiltrated the IDF's Merkava tank during the Second Lebanon War.

These rockets, which are launched by one fighter, are considered some of the most direct, advanced and lethal weapons in the world. Such rockets have also penetrated modern British tanks in Iraq, causing injuries among the soldiers.

Such arms were transferred to Hizbullah by Syria, which bought them in Russia. After the Second Lebanon War, the Russians said they did not understand how these rockets had reached Hizbullah and announced they would look into the matter.

Officer's arm amputated

The IDF has launched an investigation into the incident. The three injured troops – a non-commissioned officer, an officer and a soldier, were rushed to the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer by helicopter.

The officer is in serious but stable condition, and his arm was amputated. The non-commissioned officer is in moderate and stable condition, and underwent surgery in his eyes.

The base is located on a strip of beach within Rishon Lezion, not far from residential neighborhoods in the city's western section. In recent years, the municipality has been trying to have the base relocated to allow for construction in the area.