Netanyahu scales back Meron celebration over Hezbollah security threat

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has ordered a reduction in the annual commemoration of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in the northern town of Meron, with this year’s event to be held in a symbolic format instead of the usual large-scale gatherings. According to official directives, the decision comes amid security assessments pointing to heightened risks linked to tensions on the northern front with Hezbollah. Reports indicate that the move is driven by concerns over potential heavy casualties if mass gatherings were allowed, given the fragility of the ceasefire with Lebanon, the site’s proximity to the border, and intermittent rocket fire in the area. Sources also noted the difficulty of carrying out large-scale and rapid evacuations in the event of […]