Israeli Parliament Passes Preliminary Bill to Regulate Mosque Loudspeaker Noise

The Israeli Knesset approved in a preliminary reading a bill aimed at preventing unreasonable noise from mosque loudspeakers. The bill, initiated by National Security Committee Chairman MK Tzvika Fogel of Otzma Yehudit, passed with 50 votes in favor and 36 against. It will now proceed to a Knesset committee to determine which committee will prepare it for further legislative stages.

The proposed law prohibits the installation or operation of loudspeaker systems in mosques without a proper permit. Police will be authorized to enter locations suspected of violations to stop the loudspeaker use and may confiscate equipment in cases of ongoing offenses. Violations of operating without a permit will incur fines of 50,000 shekels, while breaches of permit conditions will result in 10,000 shekel fines.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who supports the bill, stated in the Knesset that "sovereignty begins with noise control," emphasizing that residents in places like Rahat and other areas suffer from excessive noise. MK Fogel stressed the issue is not political, noting that noise laws apply equally to event halls, private businesses, and places of worship.

The bill received backing from Shas and Yisrael Beiteinu, while United Torah Judaism members were absent from the vote. Reports suggest their absence was linked to Arab parties missing a vote on the Basic Law for Torah Study earlier the same day.

The bill’s explanatory notes highlight that noise from mosque loudspeakers has been a persistent public nuisance in Israel and worldwide, negatively impacting health and daily life. It also notes that many Muslim-majority countries, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, impose strict limits or near-total bans on mosque loudspeaker use.