Israeli Knesset Passes Law Restricting Mosque Loudspeaker Use Without Permit

The Israeli Knesset approved in a preliminary vote a new law restricting the use of loudspeakers for the Muslim call to prayer (muezzin) without a permit. The bill passed with 50 votes in favor and 36 against. It mandates that only the Minister of Environmental Protection can authorize mosques to operate loudspeaker systems, aiming to limit noise pollution from these religious broadcasts.

The legislation, proposed by MK Tzvika Fogel of Otzma Yehudit, prohibits the installation and operation of loudspeaker systems in mosques without official approval. It also empowers police officers to enter mosques suspected of violating the law and impose fines on offenders. The criteria for granting permits include noise level, noise reduction measures, and the mosque’s proximity to residential areas, but the final decision rests solely with the Minister of Environmental Protection.

The law sparked sharp criticism from the Ra'am party, which condemned the bill as "racist and anti-religious," particularly targeting the Shas party for supporting it. Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas expressed disappointment, invoking a biblical verse about treating strangers with kindness. Meanwhile, MK Fogel defended the bill, emphasizing that it is not a political issue but a matter of public health and safety, and that noise regulations should be enforced equally across all institutions, including places of worship.

Israel Beytenu also voted in favor of the bill alongside coalition members. The law aims to address complaints about noise disturbances caused by mosque loudspeakers, balancing religious practices with community noise standards.