Newly released recordings indicate that groups of chassidim are organizing to forcibly enter the gravesite complex at Mount Meron during Lag BaOmer, despite strict limitations imposed by authorities, raising concerns about potential disorder and violent confrontations.

The recordings, aired Monday by i24News in a report by journalist Ari Kalman, suggest that the effort is not limited to fringe elements but includes participants from multiple communities and groups. In the conversations, organizers can be heard outlining a detailed “break-in plan” for Thursday and Friday ahead of Lag BaOmer.

Participants in the recordings discuss preparing specialized equipment, including “cutters” and metal-cutting scissors, with the intention of breaking through fences and barriers expected to surround the mountain. One individual describes the layout of the area, saying, “There are four main entrances, you can do it from the back and from the front.”

Another participant confirms that equipment has already been prepared in advance, stating, “We have equipment that was prepared in Yerushalayim.” The groups’ stated intention is to reach the site “in any case,” disregarding the serious security warnings that led to the drastic scaling back of the traditional Lag BaOmer gathering.

Officials responsible for managing the event, including representatives from the Ministry of Yerushalayim Affairs and Tradition, warned that such actions could result in chaos and severe violence if crowds attempt to force entry against security forces.

Security officials are particularly concerned that a large, uncontrolled crowd in an open area—combined with the threat of rocket fire from northern fronts—could create a dangerous situation with the potential for mass casualties.

The decision to limit attendance to just 1,500 participants followed a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, during which security agencies presented a grave assessment of the risks involved.

“It could be more than a hundred fatalities,” a security official warned during the discussion, referring to the potential danger posed by rocket attacks from Lebanon targeting the gathering site.

Despite these warnings, voices within the groups involved suggest a strong determination to proceed.

“We will not give up on reaching the kever of Rabi Shimon bar Yochai,” participants said, signaling their willingness to confront law enforcement if necessary.

Following the government’s decision to cancel the event in its traditional format, all construction work at the Meron site was halted, and police moved in to dismantle infrastructure that had already been set up.

The move sparked significant anger within parts of the chareidi community, particularly given that nationwide Independence Day celebrations had taken place just days earlier without similar restrictions.

Law enforcement officials estimate that large numbers of police will be required to prevent any attempted breaches of the site, warning that such efforts will be met with firm action. Further updates are expected.

{Matzav.com}