The government on Wednesday approved unanimously a ban all traditional bonfires for the holiday of Lag BaOmer, which is set to start on the evening of May 11 and end on May 12, in order to prevent gatherings that may lead to mass coronavirus infections.
In a phone meeting, the ministers decided to adopt the position of the Health Ministry, the National Security Council (NSC), and the Fire and Rescue Service to ban bonfire lighting at private residences too, as it may cause neighbors to gather together and lead to a multitude of house fires that could overwhelm firefighting services.
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit said he would approve the prohibition despite claiming earlier that such a move could encounter some major legal hurdles.
The government will also prevent pilgrims from visiting the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a leading 2nd-century sage, in the northern town of Meron for the anniversary of his death which takes place on the same date.
Mount Meron and the surrounding area will be closed off except for residents or people whose workplaces are found in the area.
The new restrictions will come into effect on Thursday, May 7, and expire next Wednesday, May 13.
The (NSC) advised the government on Monday to impose a nationwide lockdown during Lag BaOmer, but the proposal ran into vociferous opposition from Minister Aryeh Deri and Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan.
On the same day, police officials presented complexity and the looming dangers in allowing pilgrims to visit Mount Meron during Lag Baomer, as the event attracts hundreds of thousands of worshippers each year.
The event requires extensive nationwide preparations throughout the year, infrastructure work on the outskirts of the mountain that are impossible under current coronavirus restrictions.