The Israeli Knesset on Wednesday approved a bill targeting the Muslim call to prayer by restricting the use of loudspeakers in mosques.
Under the proposed legislation, mosques would be prohibited from installing or operating loudspeaker systems without obtaining prior authorisation. It also requires the operator to appoint a designated individual responsible for ensuring compliance with the conditions of the permit.
Powers to Halt the Call to Prayer
The bill grants occupation authorities the power to enter mosques to stop the call to prayer and immediately shut down loudspeaker systems.
If the restrictions continue to be violated, authorities would also be permitted to confiscate the equipment.
The legislation further imposes fines of up to US$16,000 for installing or operating loudspeaker systems without the required permit.
Occupation Cites Arab States
In the explanatory memorandum accompanying the bill, the Knesset cited regulations in several Arab countries, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, claiming that they also impose limits on sound levels from mosque loudspeakers.
Support from Far Right Israeli Officials
The bill was introduced by far right Knesset member Tzvika Foghel, who claimed that restricting the call to prayer through loudspeakers was intended to “protect public health.”
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir also welcomed the bill’s approval, describing the sound of the call to prayer as “unreasonable noise.”
Only days earlier, Ben Gvir had pledged to work towards banning the use of mosque loudspeakers for the call to prayer, releasing a mocking video in support of the proposal.
