Article Posted on : - Nov 03, 2011

An unrelated file photo.

JERUSALEM (PTI): Israel successfully test fired an advanced ballistic missile from a base outside Tel Aviv, with media reports saying that the weapon was capable of striking Iran.

A statement issued by Defence Ministry said the missile was fired on Wednesday from the Palmahim Israel Defence Forces base in central Israel.

"The test was part of an examination of a new missile currently being developed by the defence establishment," the Ha'aretz newspaper reported quoting the official statement.

Other foreign media said that the rocket fired was a Jericho missile capable of carrying nuclear warhead and striking Iran.

The firing of the missile comes amid media reports here that Israel was mulling a possible military strike to foil Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Ha'aretz said that Israeli leaders had held discussions on possible pre-emptive military action against Iran, though no decisions are believed to have been made.