The Israeli Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved a bill on Sunday that would introduce new restrictions on the use of loudspeakers for the Islamic call to prayer (Adhan) in mosques.
According to the proposal, mosques would be required to obtain prior authorization before installing or operating loudspeaker systems. The bill would also grant expanded enforcement powers to Israeli police.
The legislation was submitted by head of the Knesset’s National Security Committee, Zvika Fogel and supported by extremist minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit party.
Under the proposal, permits would be assessed based on factors such as sound levels, noise-reduction measures, the location of the mosque, proximity to residential areas and the impact on nearby residents.
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The bill adopts what its sponsors describe as a framework in which prohibition is the default rule and permission is granted only through an approval process.
If enacted, the legislation would authorize police to order the immediate suspension of loudspeaker use when they suspect a violation of permit requirements or regulations.
The proposal also allows authorities to confiscate sound equipment if violations continue.
Penalties would include fines of up to 50,000 Israeli shekels for installing or operating loudspeaker systems without authorization, as well as additional fines of up to 10,000 shekels for violating permit conditions.
The measure follows previous initiatives advanced by Otzma Yehudit seeking tighter regulation of mosque loudspeakers, including expanded police powers to intervene, seize equipment and impose financial penalties.
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