Unexploded Mortar Shell Found on Rehovot’s Herzl Street, Area Secured

An unexploded mortar shell was discovered earlier today on Herzl Street, Rehovot’s main thoroughfare, triggering a swift response from police and bomb disposal units. Authorities believe the munition is an old device that once belonged to the Israel Defense Forces.

Police said officers from the Rehovot police station were alerted to a suspicious object found along the busy street. Upon arrival, officers identified the item as a mortar shell and immediately began securing the area to prevent any risk to civilians.

Herzl Street, one of the city’s most central and heavily trafficked roads, was partially closed as a precaution. Police established a safety perimeter and diverted pedestrians and vehicles while awaiting the arrival of bomb disposal experts.

According to a police statement, specialized bomb disposal personnel were called to the scene and carried out a controlled operation. The shell was successfully disarmed without incident, and no injuries or damage were reported during the process.

Investigators believe the mortar shell is not linked to any recent security threat. Initial assessments suggest it is an old munition, likely dating back several decades, that may have remained buried or stored unnoticed until its discovery.

Police have not yet confirmed how the unexploded shell ended up on Herzl Street. One line of inquiry is whether the device was unearthed during nearby construction or infrastructure work, a scenario that has occurred in other parts of Israel.

Unexploded ordnance from past conflicts is occasionally discovered across the country, particularly in areas that were once military zones or training grounds. In some cases, such munitions surface during urban development projects or roadworks.

Authorities stressed that the public should not touch or approach any suspicious objects. “If an unfamiliar or potentially dangerous item is found, people should immediately distance themselves and contact the police,” a spokesperson said.

Following the disarming of the shell, police initiated further searches in the surrounding area. These checks are intended to rule out the presence of any additional unexploded devices and ensure that the site is completely safe.

Residents and business owners in the area expressed concern but praised the rapid response of the emergency services. Several shopkeepers said the police acted quickly to clear the street and keep people informed during the operation.

Municipal officials said they are cooperating fully with the police investigation. They added that any ongoing construction projects near the site would be reviewed to determine whether excavation work may have exposed the munition.

The incident caused temporary traffic disruptions, with drivers advised to avoid Herzl Street during the operation. Traffic gradually resumed after bomb disposal teams completed their work and police lifted the safety cordons.

Police emphasized that there is no indication of criminal or terror-related activity connected to the discovery. The focus of the investigation remains on identifying the origin of the shell and how it remained undiscovered for so long.

As a precaution, authorities are expected to conduct additional assessments in the area over the coming days. These may include ground scans or coordination with military experts familiar with historic munitions.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. Police said they would provide further updates if new information emerges, while reassuring the public that the immediate danger has been fully neutralized.