Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Mount Meron on Friday morning, where one of the deadliest civilian disasters in the country's history occurred, resulting in at least 44 deaths and around 150 injuries due to a stampede. Some of the individuals trapped at the site chanted slogans against him.
Israeli media reports indicated that Netanyahu went to the scene of the incident, which took place during the Lag BaOmer celebrations, noting that those stranded there attempted to block his path and chant against him, as reported by "The Times of Israel."
Netanyahu previously described the incident as "the great disaster," stating, "I pray for the wounded," according to AFP. He was accompanied on the visit by Israeli Justice Minister Amir Ohana, who earlier defended the police, whose efforts were deemed insufficient to contain the disaster.
The police announced that an investigation into the incident would take place. Ohana stated, "The police, under the leadership of the police commissioner, are doing their utmost to open the roads and enable the thousands of people who remained on the mountain to return home safely." He added, "Unfortunately, many of the deceased have not yet been identified, and there are many families still unaware of their relatives' deaths," according to the "Jerusalem Post."
It is noteworthy that the tragic celebrations last night were the first legal large religious gathering since Israel lifted all restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
