Knesset advances ‘muezzin bill’ to limit volume of mosque loudspeakers in Israel

The Israeli Knesset has passed a controversial bill in a preliminary reading that aims to restrict the noise levels of mosque loudspeaker systems. The legislation, dubbed the "muezzin bill," requires permits for the operation of these loudspeakers and mandates fines for noise violations. It passed with 50 lawmakers in favor and 36 against, and will now proceed to a Knesset committee before requiring three more readings to become law.

The bill was sponsored by MK Zvika Fogel of the far-Right Otzma Yehudit Party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The preliminary vote followed a heated debate, during which members of Ben-Gvir's party clashed with lawmakers from Arab parties. Lawmakers from the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party and the opposition party Yisrael Beytenu voted in favor of the legislation.

“

one of the most severe sources of noise pollution is the use of loudspeaker systems in mosques throughout the day.

The proposed legislation prohibits the installation and operation of public speakers in mosques without a permit. Police officers would be authorized to intervene in reported noise breaches. Fines for violations range from NIS 10,000 to NIS 50,000. The bill's explanatory notes cite noise pollution and its impact on health and quality of life, adding that broadcasts increased significantly after the October 7 Hamas attack, allegedly expressing solidarity with Hamas and harming Israeli citizens.

Supporters of the bill argue that many Muslim countries have similar noise restrictions. However, lawmakers from Arab parties have consistently opposed similar legislation in the past, viewing it as discriminatory and an infringement on religious freedom. The bill's advancement reflects ongoing political tensions and debates surrounding religious practices and public order in Israel.

“

For decades, the public has been exposed to intolerable noise that harms both health and quality of life, yet the phenomenon continues.