Israel crush: Netanyahu vows to investigate ‘terrible disaster’

"There were heart-breaking scenes here. People who were crushed to death, including children," Mr Netanyahu told reporters at the scene.

The prime minister said the "terrible disaster" was one of the worst in the country's history, adding that Sunday would be a day of national mourning. 

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to investigate a crush at a crowded religious festival that left dozens of people dead.

During a visit to the scene near Mount Meron on Friday, he said the "serious" investigation "would ensure this kind of disaster never happens again".

At least 45 people were killed and 150 were injured at the all-night Lag B'Omer festival, which attracted tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews.

It is unclear what triggered the crush.