Against the backdrop of heightened security tensions and Operation Roaring Lion, Israel Police has completed extensive preparations for the Passover and Easter holidays in Jerusalem and across the country. The measures include unusual restrictions on the rail line to Jerusalem, alongside scaled-down religious ceremonies and limits on access to the Old City and the Western Wall.
IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said the assessment is that rocket and missile fire will continue during the holiday period. “We are prepared throughout the holiday and assume they will continue launching during this time,” he said.
In a statement, Israel Railways said that, under police directives and due to operational complexity and the need to ensure passenger safety and security on the Jerusalem line, the number of passengers on each train will be capped at 1,200 in both directions during the intermediate days of Passover (Hol Hamoed, the semi-festive days of the holiday). The restrictions will remain in place throughout that period and will be implemented using a technological system requiring each passenger to obtain a travel voucher in addition to a valid ticket.
Railway officials said the Jerusalem line is considered one of the most complex to operate, in part because most of it runs underground and the Yitzhak Navon station in Jerusalem is located about 80 meters (262 feet) below ground. As a result, joint procedures have been prepared for various emergency scenarios.
Passengers will be able to obtain vouchers starting today via the railway’s website and mobile app, the telephone service center or through service representatives who will be deployed at stations to assist and guide travelers.
Police emphasized that, alongside holiday preparations, there is currently no concrete intelligence from security agencies indicating plans to escalate rocket fire on the eve of the holiday, though the possibility is being taken into account. Accordingly, forces will remain widely deployed across the country, with an emphasis on crowd centers, holy sites and major traffic routes.
Jerusalem: Scaled-down ceremonies, Western Wall closed to the public
In recent days, Jerusalem District police have held a series of coordination meetings with Christian leaders as part of preparations for Easter ceremonies and Holy Saturday (known in some traditions as the “Holy Fire” ceremony). As part of this effort, the commander of the David precinct, Cmdr. Dvir Tamim, met with senior church figures, including Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III and other church leaders in the city.
Missile strikes Jerusalem about a week ago
(Video: Social media)
According to police, in light of the security situation and restrictions on large gatherings, it was decided that this year’s ceremonies will be held in a limited and symbolic format only, with broad agreement among all religious authorities. Police also noted that, at the start of the operation, it was decided to close holy sites in the Old City to large ציבור gatherings for security reasons and to protect human life.
At the same time, special preparations have been completed for Passover at the Western Wall. In a joint statement by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Israel Police and the Jerusalem Municipality, it was announced that, this year, due to the security situation and Home Front Command guidelines, the general public will not be allowed to reach the site during the holiday.
Jaffa Gate and Dung Gate will be closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic and public transportation to the area will not operate. The traditional Priestly Blessing ceremony, which in ordinary years draws tens of thousands of worshippers, will be held in a limited format with the participation of 50 preselected kohanim (members of the Jewish priestly class). The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, April 5, and will be broadcast live to allow remote participation.
Police said that in recent weeks fragments of intercepted missiles have landed in the Old City area and the Jewish Quarter, “reinforcing the need for stringent precautionary measures.” They added that efforts will continue “to balance freedom of worship with security needs” and urged the public to follow instructions and avoid restricted areas during the holiday.