Merom HaGalil Officials: “Damage Amounts to Millions” After Meron Influx

Officials in Merom HaGalil say widespread damage totaling millions of shekels was caused in recent days after large numbers of people attempted to reach Mount Meron for Lag BaOmer by bypassing security restrictions.

According to local authorities, many individuals made their way through open areas, forests, and agricultural land, leaving behind extensive destruction to infrastructure and private property.

The regional council reported significant damage, including breached fences, trampled farmland, harm to orchards, and destruction of irrigation systems. In addition, security fencing in communities near the northern confrontation line was damaged—barriers that had only recently been installed with government funding as part of defense preparations.

Council head Amit Sofer warned about the severity of the situation, stating: “We raised this important issue with government ministers. This involves heavy damage to security fences in frontline communities that were funded just this year by the Ministry of National Security, as well as to private agricultural infrastructure: fences that were broken and trampled, damage to crops and orchards, and to irrigation systems. Farmers on the confrontation line are still recovering from the damage of the war. A solution must be provided—this situation cannot continue without accountability.”

The council is currently working to collect evidence and document the full scope of the destruction in order to seek government assistance and compensation for those affected.