Ahead of Lag BaOmer celebrations in Meron: National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir held a tour and preparation discussion today (Wednesday) with the senior police command and other professionals, during which he sharply criticized the outline presented by the Home Front Command for holding the celebration.
According to Minister Ben Gvir, the outline presented by the Home Front Command does not reflect the reality on the ground, as although it is a limit of approximately 1,500 participants, in reality there are several additional complexes that could result in thousands of people being on the mountain at the same time - and this endangers the safety and well-being of the participants.
The discussion was held against the backdrop of the tense security situation in southern Lebanon. The minister emphasized that in recent days the ceasefire with Hezbollah has been violated time and again, making the large crowd a potential target.
During the discussion, the minister emphasized that he would not allow the celebration to take place without explicit security approval and a realistic and different outline from the Home Front Command, which would ensure the safety of the participants.
The minister said: "I have now held a special situation assessment in Meron, in which I heard from all parties - both security officials and leaders of the Haredi public. My conclusion is clear: I am raising a red flag - we are racing with our eyes open towards the next disaster.".
""Unfortunately, the Home Front Command is presenting a sophisticated position that is unrealistic. Without explicit approval and a real outline from the Home Front Command that will ensure the safety of the participants, I will not be able to approve the celebration.".
The minister added: "I demand that the Home Front Command come to its senses and approve a workable plan. We will not abandon the lives of our ultra-Orthodox, secular, and national religious brothers who are immigrating to Meron.".
""As I acted on the Temple Mount and the Western Wall - there we did not allow activity without clear guidance from the Home Front Command - so too here: without explicit approval from the Home Front Command, we will not be able to allow the event to take place."
According to the updated outline approved by the Home Front Command, it will be possible to hold gatherings of up to 1,500 people in each complex in Meron, with significant distances between them and in gathering spaces suitable for the participating audience.
The four complexes will include the Rashbi Zion, the Bnei Akiva complex, Moshav Meron, and the expanded Hilula complex.
Participation in the celebration will be possible in ascending rounds of up to two hours each.
Under the guidance of safety officials, the number of participants will weigh the safety spaces required to ensure the success of the plan throughout the day of revelry.
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