Friday, 3 July 2026

Bill to limit mosque loudspeakers passes preliminary reading

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-901125

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/429519

Fight to end noise pollution from mosques escalates

Under the proposed legislation, no mosque would be permitted to install or operate a loudspeaker system without obtaining the appropriate permit.

The bill stipulates that permits would be granted based on several factors, including noise levels, measures taken to reduce noise, the mosque's location, its proximity to residential areas, and its impact on residents' quality of life. It also authorizes police officers to order the immediate suspension of loudspeaker use in the event of a violation. If the violation continues, police would be empowered to confiscate the equipment.

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/429519

"Noise is a public health hazard, and although enforcement campaigns have been conducted in the past, there is currently no law that provides sufficient tools to address the phenomenon. Therefore, a clear regulatory framework is proposed, including a default prohibition, an explicit permit mechanism, the appointment of a person responsible for operation, and significant fines. The bill seeks to restore peace and quiet and improve residents' quality of life through effective and clear enforcement."

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said, "In many places, the muezzin's call constitutes unreasonable noise that harms residents' quality of life and health. This is a phenomenon that cannot be accepted. During my tenure, the Israel Police began addressing this intolerable problem for the first time, and now we are providing it with additional dramatic tools to eradicate the phenomenon. I thank Minister Idit Silman for her cooperation, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz, and the members of Otzma Yehudit, who remain faithful to our election promises and are working hard to fulfill them one by one."

MK Tzvika Foghel added, "The muezzin broadcast at excessive volume is not a religious issue; it is a matter of harm to public health and quality of life. It is unacceptable for residents to continue suffering from systematic violations of the law. That is why I submitted this bill-to enable firm, clear, and decisive action against this phenomenon."

'Mosques wake our kids up in the middle of the night'

Municipal leaders explain importance of law banning muezzin from sounding at night

Mosque Loudspeakers

People are being harmed in their homes.

We in our homes are helpless. We can't help our children who are woken up at 4 in the morning and can't learn, on days that they have tests, and there are students who cannot succeed on their tests.

Bill will impose a fine on noise in mosques and make it possible for police to ban loudspeakers.

The time has come to regulate the issue of loudspeakers in mosques once and for all. Hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens living in mixed neighborhoods deserve to sleep peacefully.”

This is an important and moral law for Jews and Arabs alike who want to sleep peacefully. There is no reason why the call to prayer should disturb people's rest late at night or in the early morning hours.

The White Mosque in Ramla, Central Israel

Mosque loudspeakers are used to broadcast the Muslim call to prayer, which is issued five times a day.

Sponsor Fogel said that excessive noise from mosque loudspeakers “is a harm to public health and quality of life.”

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

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

Since the October 7 Hamas massacre in 2023, the volume of mosque broadcasts has increased significantly, intending to express solidarity with Hamas and harm the quality of life of Israeli citizens.