Mysterious window-rattling booms shake central Israel

A number of powerful booms were heard in cities in the central region of the country Tuesday, with security services — including the army — not offering a clear explanation of what the cause was initially.

Shortly before 10 a.m. social media users began reporting a powerful boom and shockwave felt in the Gush Dan area. Three hours later another was heard.

The noise and shockwaves were heard across a broad swath of the central region of the country, including Tel Aviv, Or Yehuda, Rosh Ha’ayin and Petah Tikva.

Sounds were heard as far north as Julis, 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Tel Aviv, the Ynet news site reported.

Israel Police told media the force was not aware of any unusual events that were going on.

In an initial statement, the IDF said, “We do not know of anything unusual at this stage and do not know that we can commit to what is the source of the explosions.”

Some six hours later, the military said that “after an investigation, [the noise] was apparently sonic booms caused as a result of routine air force flights.”

Sonic booms are caused by aircraft when they exceed the speed of sound.

The IDF added that the incident was being investigated.

There have reportedly been similar booms in recent weeks over the Gush Dan area, which have also been explained as caused by Israeli Air Force exercises.

“The windows really shook backwards and forwards,” a Tel Aviv resident told the Walla news website.

“The door shook as though someone was about to break it,” the unnamed woman said.

Emanuel Fabian contributed to this report.