Israel advances bill targeting mosque loudspeakers

JERUSALEM, Palestine (MNTV) — Israel’s parliament has approved the preliminary reading of a controversial bill backed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s party that would impose new restrictions on mosque loudspeakers in occupied Palestinian territories. 

Experts say the legislation specifically targets Muslim religious practices and threatens freedom of worship.

The proposed legislation, commonly referred to as the “muezzin bill,” passed its first reading in the Knesset by a vote of 50 to 36. It must still clear committee review and three additional parliamentary readings before becoming law.

Sponsored by lawmaker Zvika Fogel of Ben-Gvir’s far-right Otzma Yehudit party, the bill would require mosques to obtain permits before installing or operating loudspeaker systems used for the Islamic call to prayer. 

It would also authorize police to enter premises to stop alleged violations and impose fines ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 shekels for non-compliance.

Arab lawmakers, civil rights advocates and Muslim community representatives condemned the bill as discriminatory, arguing that it specifically targets Islamic religious practices while threatening the rights of Israel’s Muslim minority.

Tel Aviv-Yafo Deputy Mayor Amir Bedran described the legislation as a dangerous step that undermines freedom of religion and damages coexistence, accusing its supporters of promoting policies driven by hostility toward Arab citizens.

Opposition lawmaker Ofer Cassif also criticized the proposal, saying it reflected efforts to silence the language, culture and religion of Palestinian citizens.