The Israel Police concluded 'Operation Meron 2017' this morning (Monday) - which began immediately on Saturday evening and continued until last night after midnight.
The police note that the preparations began months earlier, together with other rescue and emergency agencies, including: KVB, MDA, ZAKA, FKAR and more - in preparation for the arrival of hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Rashbi festival.
The Rashbi's celebration was secured by approximately 5,000 Israel Police officers and Border Guard soldiers, who were deployed to ensure the events took place and allow hundreds of thousands of visitors to reach the Zion on Mount Meron, while at the same time minimizing the disruption to the daily routine of the area's residents.
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""The Israel Police, through special traffic arrangements that were adapted to the existing infrastructure limitations on the access routes to Mount Meron and their ability to accommodate tens of thousands of people simultaneously, deployed large forces to maintain public order among the revelers and to maintain their safety and security," the police statement said.
This morning, thousands of visitors are still on the mountain. "Israel Police officers and Border Guard soldiers will continue increased security activities until all visitors have safely left the Rashbi's tomb," the police say.
The police statement makes no reference to the rush in the parking lots, the chaos that prevailed with the buses, and the complaints about the police officers.
