Israeli Parliament Advances Bill to Ban Mosque Call to Prayer Loudspeakers

Israel's parliament, the Knesset, has advanced a controversial bill that could prohibit the use of loudspeakers for the call to prayer, known as azan, in mosques. The preliminary reading of the bill passed with 50 votes in favor and 36 against, indicating significant support within the legislature.

The proposed legislation, spearheaded by the Otzma Yehudit party led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and supported by the Yisrael Beiteinu party, aims to regulate what proponents describe as "noise from mosques." If the bill successfully navigates the remaining three readings required by Israeli law, it could fundamentally alter a key Islamic practice.

The azan is not only a ritualistic call to prayer but also serves as a crucial time marker for Muslims. Its public broadcast via loudspeakers is a common practice in many Muslim-majority areas. The bill stipulates that no loudspeaker system may be installed or operated in any mosque without official authorization, potentially disrupting the daily lives of observant Muslims.