Israel’s annual Lag BaOmer gathering at Meron is now in jeopardy of being canceled due to the worsening security situation in the north, according to sources.

Defense officials have instructed government agencies involved in organizing the event to halt preparations, citing the escalating tensions and ongoing sirens in northern Israel. The directive effectively freezes all planning related to the large-scale gathering.

In an effort to reassess the situation, a high-level meeting is scheduled for Sunday with the prime minister to discuss whether the event can proceed. Participants are expected to include Communications Minister Shlomo Karchi, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, representatives from the IDF and police, and MK Meir Porush.

Despite the pause in planning, construction and infrastructure work at the Meron site is continuing for now, in order to preserve the possibility of holding the event if security conditions improve.

At this stage, the directive applies broadly to all aspects of the event, including transportation logistics, road closures, and crowd management. Up to 200,000 people had been expected to attend the gathering at the kever of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai.

In a separate update responding to media inquiries, the Ministry of Yerushalayim Affairs and Heritage said it has not received any formal instruction from the Home Front Command or the defense establishment regarding the cancellation of the Meron event.

The ministry stated that, in line with legal guidelines and in coordination with the police and Home Front Command, it has continued preparations in recent weeks for what was intended to be a standard and celebratory event, with public safety as a top priority. Officials added that discussions led by the prime minister are ongoing, and further updates will be issued as decisions are made.

{Matzav.com}