A major dispute has erupted over preparations for the annual Lag BaOmer gathering in Meron, with police issuing a stark warning that, at this stage, the mass event cannot be approved due to serious safety concerns.

In a formal letter sent by the Northern District Police to the “Committee of Five,” officials expressed deep alarm over ongoing delays in preparing the site. According to the police, the current situation poses a significant risk to public safety and prevents proper authorization of the event.

Police say that professional teams, production companies, and contractors have been unable to access the area to carry out critical infrastructure and safety work. These restrictions, they stress, are preventing the completion of essential preparations ahead of the expected large crowds.

Authorities emphasized that there can be no compromise on key safety measures, including the installation of fencing, the paving of emergency access routes, the arrangement of lighting, the establishment of fire safety infrastructure, and the deployment of technological systems designed to protect attendees. Without these steps, police say, it is impossible to safely conduct a mass gathering.

In a sharply worded message to the committee, police warned that full responsibility for any loss of life resulting from insufficient preparation would fall solely on those overseeing the event. They added that even if individuals attempt to reach the site through alternative routes, the area will not be deemed fit to receive visitors until all required work is completed.

Police are calling on the committee to act immediately to remove all obstacles preventing professionals from entering the site, cautioning that any further delays could jeopardize the event entirely.

In response, the Committee of Five pushed back, sending a letter in which its director, Uri Vizubovsky, rejected the claims and accused the police of providing inaccurate and misleading information.

According to Vizubovsky, the Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage holds sole responsibility for organizing the Lag BaOmer celebration, and the committee has never been, and is not currently, in charge of the event. He added that the matter has been in the ministry’s hands for some time, despite the committee having submitted all required documentation, yet no response has been received.

Vizubovsky stated that, from the committee’s perspective, there is no barrier to allowing professional teams to enter the site, placing responsibility for the delays squarely on the Ministry of Yerushalayim and Heritage. He concluded by urging the ministry to provide an immediate response.