In a notable shift in approach, Israeli security and government authorities are reportedly moving toward approving a broader, phased arrangement for Lag BaOmer at Har Meron this year. This comes after an initial decision to severely limit attendance to just 1,500 participants due to heightened security concerns in northern Israel.

The original restriction was made following a security assessment presented to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, warning of potential rocket fire or drone attacks from Hezbollah during large-scale gatherings. Senior Home Front Command officials cautioned that even a relatively small crowd at Meron could, r”l, pose a serious danger in the event of an attack during peak hours.

The decision quickly drew strong opposition from segments of the public and from organizations involved in arranging access to Meron. A petition was submitted to the High Court, arguing that the limitations were excessive and inconsistent with how other mass gatherings have been handled under similar security conditions.

Criticism was also raised regarding what was described as unequal enforcement. Representatives pointed out that large national and secular events, including Yom HaAtzmaut ceremonies, were approved across the country despite comparable security concerns.

“It is inconceivable that mass national celebrations are approved while those coming to daven at Meron are subjected to such severe limitations,” one organization stated.

Alongside the specific issue of Meron, broader concerns were also raised regarding restrictions on public gatherings and bonfires. In recent years, limits on large bonfires and mass assemblies have become more common, citing safety considerations.

Following legal pressure and continued discussions, reports now indicate that the Home Front Command has been reviewing alternative proposals in coordination with the police and other security and operational bodies. According to emerging details, a revised phased plan is now being seriously considered and may receive approval in the near future.

The updated framework reportedly maintains strict crowd control measures but significantly increases overall capacity. Under the proposal, Har Meron would be divided into three main zones, each holding approximately 1,500 people at any given time, allowing for around 4,500 people on the mountain simultaneously.

The event would also be extended over roughly 40 hours, with continuous rotation of groups, enabling tens of thousands to participate in a controlled manner.

Entry is expected to be managed through a centralized lottery system overseen by the Ministry of Transportation, designed to regulate flow and prevent overcrowding.

Security officials stress that any final decision remains dependent on developments along the northern border in the coming days, with the understanding that escalation could still result in further restrictions or even cancellation of the event.

Attorney Natan Rosenblatt, representing the petitioners, stated that the court’s extension granted to the state “is not a blank check to ignore the needs of the public,” and called for a substantive response to the proposed plan within a short timeframe. He warned that if no workable solution is presented, further legal action may be pursued.

As of now, government and security bodies are said to be finalizing the details, with a decision expected imminently on whether the expanded phased plan will be implemented for this year’s Lag BaOmer at Meron.