Israel's Knesset advances bill to ban call to prayer by mosques over loudspeakers

The Israeli Knesset has taken a preliminary step toward banning the public broadcast of the call to prayer from mosques using loudspeakers. The bill, which passed its first reading on Wednesday with a vote of 50-36, seeks to curb what proponents label as "mosque noise."

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a crime

The legislation was introduced by the Otzma Yehudit party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and received backing from the opposition Yisrael Beiteinu party, headed by Avigdor Lieberman. This cross-party support from right-wing factions signals a move to tighten regulations concerning religious sound amplification.

Palestinian officials have strongly denounced the bill. Rawhi Fattouh, head of the Palestinian National Council, described the legislative effort as a "crime" and "legislative terrorism." He stated that the bill represents "a blatant violation of freedom of worship and belief."

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legislative terrorism

For the bill to become law, it must successfully pass three additional readings in the Knesset. Current reports suggest the proposed legislation would prohibit the installation or operation of any mosque sound system without explicit prior authorization.

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a blatant violation of freedom of worship and belief