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Charedi Advocate Group Slams Police Over ‘Unlawful’ Meron Closure
Police said smaller lighting ceremonies will replace the pilgrimage, with attendance capped at 200 and a live broadcast planned.
- On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the closure of Mount Meron and canceled the annual Lag BaOmer pilgrimage due to ongoing fighting with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and security concerns in northern Israel.
- Israel Police Commissioner Daniel Levi had previously approved a plan allowing roughly 10,000 attendees, but updated government restrictions capping outdoor gatherings at 200 people forced authorities to scrap the framework entirely.
- Police began blocking roads on Sunday, including Route 89, with additional closures expected through Wednesday, May 6, preventing unauthorized entry to the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and surrounding areas.
- Authorities will permit only three ceremonial lightings of up to 200 participants each under police management, as officials warned against "serious and extreme publications" urging Haredi community members to attack officers.
- Since the 2021 crowd crush that killed 45 people, the site has faced heightened scrutiny, prompting officials to urge the public to celebrate within homes and synagogues rather than attempting to reach the restricted mountain.
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Meron Lag Ba'omer celebration cancelled on PM's orders amid security concerns
The cancellation of the annual rituals, which typically draw hundreds of thousands of Jews to Israel's north, follows an IDF directive on Friday limiting the celebrations to 200 participants. Police say officers are preparing for worshipers to reach Meron in violation of their orders
·Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left2Leaning Right4Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Right
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
50% Right
L 25%
C 25%
R 50%
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