Israel’s Parliament Advances Bill to Restrict the Adhan on Mosque Loudspeakers
The bill passed 50-36 and still needs three more Knesset votes before becoming law, with opponents warning it targets Arab and Muslim citizens.
- On Wednesday, the Knesset gave preliminary approval to the so-called "Muezzin law," a bill restricting mosque loudspeaker systems, with 50 lawmakers voting in favor and 36 against. Sponsored by Zvika Fogel of the Otzma Yehudit party, the proposal requires permits for loudspeaker operations.
- Proponents argue the legislation addresses "intolerable noise" affecting quality of life, citing explanatory notes that mosque broadcasts increased significantly following the October 7 Hamas massacre in 2023. The bill aims to grant enforcement tools against unreasonable noise.
- Violations carry fines ranging from NIS 10,000 to NIS 50,000, though critics including Arab lawmakers and the Justice Ministry argue existing regulations already address excessive noise. Opponents warn the measure could harm "freedom of religion and freedom of worship."
- Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas condemned the Shas party's support as "very disappointing and reprehensible," while Rawhi Fattouh, head of the Palestinian National Council, described the move as a "crime" and "legislative terrorism." Palestinians condemned it as a "declaration of religious war."
- The bill remains at an early stage, requiring committee review and three additional Knesset votes before becoming law. Similar legislation has been introduced in past government terms, though none have successfully passed all required readings.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Israeli bill to restrict call to prayer passes preliminary parliament reading
Israeli bill to restrict call to prayer passes preliminary parliament reading An Israeli bill to restrict the adhan, the Muslim call to prayer, passed a preliminary reading in parliament on Wednesday. Palestinians condemned the legislation as a "declaration of religious war" and an attack on freedom of worship. The bill passed by 50 votes to 36 and must now be referred to a Knesset committee before returning for its first reading. It would then…
Israel’s parliament advances Bill to restrict the Adhan on mosque loudspeakers
In the latest attack on Islam in the Holy Land, Israeli lawmakers are advancing legislation that would impose new restrictions on the use of loudspeakers for the Islamic call to prayer in Jerusalem, drawing strong condemnation from religious leaders and rights advocates. The proposed law, backed by members of Israel’s far-right governing coalition, would require […] The post Israel’s parliament advances Bill to restrict the Adhan on mosque louds…
The Israeli Knesset passed, in its preliminary reading, a bill imposing restrictions on the call to prayer (Adhan) via loudspeakers in mosques, in a move that sparked widespread controversy regarding freedom of religious practice and the rights of Arab citizens within Israel...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Left, 37% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
