Israel on Wednesday successfully tested a rocket-propulsion system from a military base in the centre of the country, a defence ministry official said.

"This test firing of the rocket-propulsion system had been planned by the defence establishment a long time ago and was carried out as scheduled," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Public radio reported the test was carried out at the Palmachim military base south of Tel Aviv.

Citing foreign military experts, the radio said the system is capable of firing ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads.

The test came as speculation in Israel grew over the potential for an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, with Haaretz newspaper reporting Wednesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was seeking cabinet support for such an operation.