Minor clashes reported as annual Lag B'Omer events begin alongside heavy police presence and new rules in place to avoid repeat of 2021 disaster

Police say three youths were detained with pliers, boxcutters and spray paint in bags normally used to carry objects for Jewish prayer rites

Religion reporter Judah Ari Gross reviews plans for Lag B'Omer event and an apology to Women of the Wall, as political writer Tal Schneider discusses a Knesset scholarship bill

Suspects caught with crowbars, wirecutters allegedly en route to holy site due to apparent opposition to new safety measures following last year's deadly disaster

With drastic changes to the rules and a clearer delegation of responsibility, organizers prepare for an influx of revelers after 45 people were crushed to death last Lag B'Omer

Ticket sellers say they can provide passes for Lag B'Omer event even if site is full; claim to also have tickets circumventing time limits imposed in wake of deadly crush

Entry requires an admission ticket and is limited to 4 hours, and there will be only 1 central bonfire at the pilgrimage site, after last year's Lag B'Omer event ended in 45 deaths

Worshipers at annual festival will be transported from nearby parking lot on shuttles, given limited time at holy site, and only one bonfire will be allowed

Kobi Shabtai rejects claim he ignored fresh warnings of overcrowding at the site ahead of the disaster, in which 45 people were killed and over 100 injured

Plan reportedly based on 2014 outline by Yair Lapid, seizing control away from Haredi groups and ending illegal construction on the hilltop