Knesset Approves Muezzin Law in Preliminary Vote Amid Political Tensions

The Knesset plenum approved the preliminary reading of the Muezzin Law proposed by MK Tzvika Fogel of Otzma Yehudit on Wednesday, after its agenda inclusion was initially rejected earlier this month. The bill is set for a final vote before the discussion on the Basic Law: Torah Study, a key issue for ultra-Orthodox parties. This sequence may test the informal understandings reportedly made between Finance Committee Chair MK Moshe Gafni and Ta'al faction leader MK Ahmad Tibi, involving a tacit deal where ultra-Orthodox parties would not obstruct the Muezzin Law in exchange for Arab MKs not opposing legislation important to the Haredi factions. Both sides have denied any formal agreement.

Shas party announced its support for the bill, recalling its backing since 2017, but expressed regret that Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir did not also bring forward a related bill to prevent visits by emergency medical personnel to terrorists from the Nukhba unit, which Shas would have supported. Shas criticized Ben-Gvir for allegedly attempting to block that bill to score political points against right-wing allies. This has led to a split among the Haredi parties, with Shas supporting the Muezzin Law and Degel HaTorah opposing it.

The debate was marked by controversy, including a call by MK Yitzhak Pindros to shoot MK Naama Lazimi in the legs, highlighting the heated atmosphere. The upcoming vote on the Basic Law: Torah Study later Wednesday is expected to be a significant test for the ultra-Orthodox factions' unity and influence in the Knesset.