In light of the Home Front Command's directives and the Prime Minister's decision, following the security situation: The police officially announced today (Sunday) that the celebration of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron will not take place this year.
""The Israel Police - Northern District, the Traffic Division and Border Guard soldiers are preparing to ensure public peace and security within the framework of the decision and restrictions that have been set," the police statement said.
There will likely be three lightings: the Bayan Rebbe, the Gersham Amar, and Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, who will be able to enter with a limited number of Hasidim and students.
A Meron resident, Rabbi Yitzhak Sheinin, said this morning on the "Kalman Lieberman" program on Channel 2 that despite the restrictions, there will be thousands of people in Meron.
""There will be tough clashes in Meron and I say this unequivocally," said Rabbi Sheinin. "The hard core of these thousands of people will come in any situation and on any issue, and there is already unrest in the Haredi public because the videos are already running.".
Traffic regulations:
Starting this weekend and today, from the morning hours, police forces, Border Guard soldiers and traffic police officers are deployed on the roads leading to the settlement of Meron and in the areas surrounding it, preventing and will prevent the entry of vehicles and pedestrians until 6.5.26. Only residents of the settlement or those staying in a regulated B&B will be allowed to enter.
In addition, starting today, several roads will be closed to traffic:
For those coming from the direction of Eliflet:
For those coming from the Highway 85 (Hanania) area:
For those coming from the direction of Hiram to Meron:
The police are calling on the unauthorized public to avoid reaching the settlement and the tomb complex. Police checkpoints placed on the roads and paths leading to the settlement will not allow entry to unauthorized persons.
Border Guard soldiers, equipped with advanced surveillance equipment and off-road vehicles, are deployed in the areas and forests surrounding the settlement to prevent attempts to reach the site on foot.
Entry to the settlement of Meron will be permitted only to authorized persons upon presentation of an ID card for all vehicle passengers. Anyone found without an ID card or who does not appear in the records as a resident of Meron will not be permitted to enter the settlement.
In light of the changes in traffic arrangements, drivers are asked to be patient and follow the instructions and guidelines of the police officers on the ground. Special attention is also required to the directional signs and signage posted on the side of the road.
The police further noted that "as part of the preparations, the police were exposed to serious and extremist publications calling on the public to equip themselves with assault equipment, pepper spray, and other means intended to harm police officers.".
""The forces will operate in the field with one goal - protecting public safety and enforcing the law. Any attempt to act violently against the security forces or to violate public order will be met with a determined response and zero tolerance."
""The police will not allow extremist elements to turn the holy place into a scene of violence, and will work to bring to justice anyone who incites violence or acts against police officers performing their duties.".
The police added: "The Israel Police calls on the public to show personal responsibility and mutual guarantee, and to celebrate this year's Rashbi celebration in homes, synagogues, and within the communities where they live.".
""In the shadow of the security threats in the north - avoiding blocked roads is the right way to preserve the tradition of Israel with joy and safety.".
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