Israeli police warned Wednesday that they currently cannot approve this year’s Lag BaOmer Hilula at Mount Meron, citing major unresolved safety concerns less than two weeks before the annual celebrations. In an official letter sent by the Northern District police to the “Committee of Five” overseeing the site, authorities stated that “at this stage, the event cannot be approved.”

Police said contractors, production crews, and safety teams have still been unable to access parts of the compound to complete critical preparations, which is expected to draw thousands to tens of thousands of attendees. According to the letter, unfinished work includes emergency access routes, fencing, lighting systems, fire infrastructure, and technological safety measures required for crowd control and emergency response.

The letter warned that the missing preparations pose a direct danger to public safety and stressed that no compromises could be made regarding the required infrastructure. Police further warned that “the direct responsibility for any loss of life resulting from insufficient preparedness will rest solely on them,” referring to the authorities responsible for the delays. Officials also stated that even if people attempt to reach the site independently, the area will not be authorized to receive the public until all work is completed.

The Committee of Five rejected the police claims and accused the Jerusalem and Heritage Ministry of causing the delays. In its response, the committee said “the Jerusalem and Heritage Ministry is solely responsible for the Lag BaOmer event” and argued that it was never responsible for managing the pilgrimage preparations.

The warning now sets up a direct confrontation between police, the Committee of Five, and the Jerusalem and Heritage Ministry, with pressure mounting to complete the required safety work before Lag BaOmer. Police said approval will depend on whether the remaining infrastructure and emergency preparations are finished in time.