Israeli Knesset Passes Law Restricting Mosque Loudspeaker Use Without Permit

The Israeli Knesset approved in a preliminary vote a law banning the use of loudspeakers for the Muslim call to prayer (muezzin) without a permit. The legislation passed with 50 votes in favor and 36 against. It requires mosques to obtain authorization from the Minister of Environmental Protection before operating loudspeaker systems. The law also grants police the authority to enter mosques and impose fines for violations of noise restrictions.

The bill, proposed by MK Tzvika Fogel of Otzma Yehudit, prohibits the installation and use of loudspeaker systems in mosques unless a permit is granted by the Minister of Environmental Protection. The minister will consider factors such as noise level, noise reduction measures, and the mosque's proximity to residential areas when deciding on permits. A designated official must ensure compliance with permit conditions.

The Ra'am party strongly condemned the law, labeling it "racist and anti-religious," and criticized the Shas party for supporting it. Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas expressed disappointment, citing religious tolerance principles. Meanwhile, MK Fogel emphasized that the law is not political but aims to protect public health, quality of life, and safety, stating that no individual or institution is exempt from noise regulations.

Yisrael Beiteinu also voted in favor of the bill alongside coalition members. The legislation aims to regulate noise pollution from mosques, aligning their loudspeaker use with other public noise regulations enforced on venues, businesses, factories, and places of worship.

The law's next steps include further readings and potential amendments before becoming fully enacted.