IDF apologizes for scaring Tel Aviv residents with practice fly-bys

The Israel Defense Forces says it apologizes for frightening the residents of central Israel with an unannounced flyby over Tel Aviv by multiple fighter jets earlier today.

“The army is sorry for the panic that was caused,” it says in a statement.

“These dry runs take place as part of the [air] force’s desire to ensure a safe, high quality, and respectful flyover for the 70th Independence Day,” which will take place on Thursday, April 19, the army says.

In order to prevent future scares, the army also announces its plans for additional flyovers in the coming days.

The IDF says planes are expected to be overhead:
– On Sunday, from 9:50 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., over the Sea of Galilee
– On Monday, from 10:05 a.m. to 10:25 a.m., over the Tel Aviv coast
– On Monday, from 10:35 a.m. to 11:10 a.m., over the Haifa coast
– On Monday, from 1:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m., over the Sea of Galilee
– On Monday, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:10 p.m., over the Jezreel Valley
– On Monday, from 2:25 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., over Jerusalem’s Sacher Park
– On Monday, from 4:35 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., over Beersheba
– On Tuesday, from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., over the Tel Aviv coast
– On Tuesday, from 10:45 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., over Jerusalem’s Sacher Park

— Judah Ari Gross