image sourced from original article at Jewish pilgrims are bypassing police checkpoints to reach Mount Meron for the annual Lag B'Omer celebrations, despite strict limits imposed due to security concerns. Authorities scaled back the traditional festivities in line with tightened military restrictions amid fears of rocket fire from Hezbollah.
This year, only three small bonfire ceremonies are authorized, each limited to 200 participants, a sharp reduction from last year's event that drew around 100,000 mostly ultra-Orthodox attendees. Police have been attempting to block access routes and detain those trying to enter through nearby forests and fields.
However, thousands had already arrived before roads were closed, leaving far more people at the site than permitted. Reports described men climbing fences and slipping past barriers overnight, as police prepared for potential clashes while trying to enforce the restrictions.
