With just two days remaining until the Lag BaOmer gathering at Meron, police have begun closing off access routes to the area, even as uncertainty continues over how — or if — the annual event will take place this year in any way, shape or form.

Despite recent changes in Home Front Command guidelines, the site has not been officially declared a closed military zone. However, authorities have not issued entry permits to the mountain, and no public transportation is operating to the location.

Even with those restrictions in place, an estimated 20,000 people were present in Meron over Shabbos. Since the area has not been formally designated as a military zone, officials currently lack the legal authority to evacuate those already there.

Security officials are now preparing to block additional arrivals by shutting down surrounding roads and preventing buses from reaching the site. At the same time, there are concerns that many people will attempt to access Meron on foot through nearby forests — a scenario that has previously led to clashes and unrest. It remains unclear how police intend to handle such developments.

According to a notice circulated to drivers on Motzoei Shabbos, “National traffic police have set up checkpoints on all roads leading to Meron — including Ein Zeitim, Gush Chalav, and the area between Parod. Passage is permitted only to Meron residents or those with special authorization. Pedestrian entry into Meron and to the kever of Rashbi is still allowed without restriction.”

Meanwhile, residents of a nearby moshav have expressed anger over what they say is a new police policy preventing even approved guests from entering. According to residents who spoke with local media, individuals who had rented vacation units in the area were turned away at roadblocks despite the moshav having submitted an organized list of approved guests to authorities. Locals say the decision is causing significant financial losses.

{Matzav.com}