On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces’ Home Front Command issued new security directives for northern Israel, limiting public gatherings to a maximum of 1,500 people. This precautionary measure comes amid rising tensions and increased attacks by Hezbollah.

The restrictions apply to the Confrontation Line area, which includes cities and towns close to the Lebanese border. Additionally, they encompass the northern communities of Moshav Meron, Bar Yohai, Or HaGanuz, and Moshav Safsufa, also known as Kfar Hoshen.

According to military officials, these guidelines will remain in place until at least 8 p.m. on April 27. The Israel Defense Forces emphasized that other aspects of their defense policy would stay the same.

In a related move on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the cancellation of the traditional Lag B’Omer festivities at Mount Meron in the Upper Galilee. Originally scheduled for May 4–5, the decision was made due to the delicate security situation.

The annual Lag B’Omer celebrations at Mount Meron commemorate the hilula, or anniversary, of the passing of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a revered second-century Jewish sage and mystic.

The annual celebrations at Mount Meron on Lag B’Omer mark the anniversary (hilula) of the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a second-century Jewish sage and mystic.

The event usually draws tens of thousands of mostly Orthodox Jewish pilgrims who gather at the tomb for traditional bonfires, prayer, and music.

Despite the ceasefire Israel had agreed to with the Lebanese government, which started on April 16, Hezbollah has gradually ramped up its launches of projectiles and drones at Israeli territory, as well as its firing at Israeli troops deployed in Southern Lebanon.

Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of “essentially disintegrating the ceasefire” through its incessant attacks.

“Therefore, as far as we are concerned, what obligates us is the security of Israel, the security of our soldiers, and the security of our communities,” the premier said.