Meron Pilgrimage Canceled as North Remains on Edge

Israel Police have canceled the annual Lag B’Omer pilgrimage to Mount Meron, citing ongoing security concerns in the north following repeated Hezbollah violations of the fragile ceasefire. The holiday begins Monday evening.

Roads surrounding Meron will begin closing today, with additional closures taking effect Tuesday morning and remaining in place through Wednesday. Checkpoints will be established on all access routes, with entry restricted exclusively to verified residents of the town. Border Police units equipped with surveillance drones and off-road vehicles will also patrol the surrounding forests to intercept anyone attempting to reach the site on foot.

Police flagged a particularly alarming development: online posts urging protesters to arrive equipped with pepper spray and other weapons intended to harm officers. Authorities responded with a firm warning that any violence against security forces would be met with zero tolerance and swift prosecution.

Tens of thousands of worshipers typically ascend Meron for Lag B’Omer each year, making it one of the largest annual gatherings in Israel. Past restrictions at the site — particularly following the 2021 crush that killed 45 people — have triggered fierce resistance from segments of the ultra-Orthodox community. This year’s cancellation is expected to generate significant backlash.