Israel’s Parliament Panel Advances Law to Regulate Meron Lag BaOmer Event and Boost Safety
Israel’s Knesset National Security Committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to advance to final readings a temporary bill that would regulate the annual Lag BaOmer pilgrimage at Mount Meron ahead of the 2026 event. The measure aims to tighten safety rules for the massive gathering that draws tens of thousands of visitors.
The committee’s version of the law includes new safety provisions for the holiday celebration amid the ongoing war with Iran and Hezbollah, and gives the Home Front Command authority to close the site, restrict attendance, or cancel the event if it is deemed unsafe. It also makes provisions for reserved places for families of the 45 people killed in a deadly crowd crush at Meron in 2021.
The bill now moves to the full parliament for its second and third readings before becoming law. The legislation is intended to provide clearer oversight and prevent dangerous overcrowding at one of Israel’s largest annual religious gatherings.
