Netanyahu Attends Final Selichot Prayers at Western Wall Amidst Record Crowds

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the final Selichot prayers at the Western Wall on Saturday night, marking the eve of Yom Kippur. His presence at the massive gathering, which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands, necessitated a complex security operation. Netanyahu arrived at the site over three hours before the event began and remained within a dedicated security zone.

This year's Selichot ceremony concludes a significant spiritual period, with unprecedented numbers of people flocking to the Western Wall plaza and surrounding areas in Jerusalem. Organizers noted that the turnout is the largest ever recorded, indicating a strong trend of young Israelis seeking spiritual connection, reinforcing their Jewish identity, and reconnecting with tradition.

To accommodate the massive crowds, extensive transportation arrangements were made in Jerusalem. Special bus lines, including 1, 3, 111, 222, and 333, operated throughout the night. The Jerusalem Light Rail's Line L1 also ran 24 hours a day, with free "park and ride" lots available at Givat Hamivtar and Har Herzl.

Traffic around the Old City was restricted to private vehicles, with the exception of vehicles bearing disabled permits, which were allowed entry through Zion Gate from Hebron Road.