"Meteor Causes Big Blast Heard Across Israel, According to Israeli Media"

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According to an Israeli analyst, seismological data indicates that six blasts preceded the explosion that occurred in Beirut’s port on August 4, 2020. Boaz Hayoun, from Israel’s Tamar Group, stated that the last of these blasts was likely caused by the combustion of fireworks, which subsequently ignited a warehouse full of ammonium nitrate. Hayoun’s analysis was based on data collected from seismological sensors stationed across the region.

However, the International Geological Project IRIS, which operates an array of sensors located approximately 70 km off Lebanon’s coast, cast doubt on Hayoun’s conclusions. IRIS reported detecting more than five “small bursts” at 11-second intervals before and after the explosion, which they suggested could be from a seismic survey or underwater mapping by geologists.

Lebanese officials have attributed the blast, which killed at least 172 people and devastated much of the city, to a vast stockpile of ammonium nitrate that had been stored unsafely at the port for several years. President Michel Aoun has stated that investigators would consider the possibility of “external interference” such as a bomb, negligence, or an accident as contributing factors.

Hayoun’s assessment of the Beirut incident indicated that underground explosions occurred. He explained that the 43-meter (140-foot) deep crater at the port could not have been caused by the reported amount of ammonium nitrate and that the explosion was more likely caused by a weapons system that had been stored in the port and was activated in a chain.

While Hayoun’s analysis is consistent with munitions detonations, it is important to note that Israel Defense, a private online journal with ties to the Israeli military, which first reported Hayoun’s findings, did not provide any evidence to suggest sabotage.