Israel Reimposes Northern Gathering Limits and Scales Back Lag B’Omer Pilgrimage Amid Ongoing Hezbollah Hostilities

On Sunday night the IDF Home Front Command reinstated a 1,500-person cap for public gatherings in border communities and the Meron area, effective from 22:30 Sunday to 20:00 Monday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled the mass Lag B’Omer pilgrimage at Mount Meron, ordering a limited, symbolic ceremony. The decision cites the fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah, the site’s proximity to the Lebanese border, ongoing rocket-drone fire, and the difficulty of evacuating large crowds.

Netanyahu cancels Lag B’Omer pilgrimage over Hezbollah threatsTimes of IsraelThe Jerusalem PostThe Jerusalem PostTimes of Israel

The ceasefire announced on 17 April followed fighting in which the IDF said it killed more than 40 Hezbollah fighters. Hezbollah has kept firing rockets and drones at northern towns. Alert also follows the 2021 Meron crowd crush that killed 45 and injured 150; a 2024 commission held Prime Minister Netanyahu responsible. The limits aim to avoid a repeat of such a mass-casualty event.

The Jerusalem Post

Home Front Command kept all security guidelines except the 1,500-person cap. Yossi Fuchs said the move reflects “fear of a mass-casualty event due to the fragility of the ceasefire with Lebanon, proximity of the site to the Lebanon border, rocket launches to the area, and difficulty of timely large-scale evacuation.” Prime Minister’s Office cited safety concerns as basis for canceling the pilgrimage.

Times of Israel

Moshe Davidovitz, head of Mateh Asher Regional Council, denounced the “green” classification as “a spit in the face of the children of the conflict line” and warned that “the blood of our children is not in vain, and we will not wait for a disaster to make life-saving decisions.” Mayors declared “orange” alerts, suspended schools and reported sirens and drone attacks; Gabi Naaman said fire continues to flow into border communities despite ceasefire.

Times of Israel

• “I am furious at the disconnect of those sitting in the ivory tower from the reality of the parents, students, and residents here,” — Moshe Davidovitz, Mateh Asher Regional Council.

The Jerusalem Post

• “The blood of our children is not in vain and we will not wait for a disaster to make life-saving decisions,” — Moshe Davidovitz, Mateh Asher Regional Council.

Netanyahu cancels Lag B’Omer pilgrimage over Hezbollah threats

• “When the area is burning and UAVs are circling overhead, defining the region as ‘green’ is not policy – it is neglect,” — Moshe Davidovich, Forum of Front-Line Communities.

Times of Israel

A security reassessment is scheduled for Monday evening; Home Front Command may extend, tighten, or lift the 1,500-person limit. Authorities will finalize arrangements for the symbolic Lag B’Omer ceremony, while ongoing Hezbollah activity could trigger further local alerts or additional national restrictions.

Times of Israel