Israel’s parliament has approved the preliminary reading of a controversial bill that would restrict the use of loudspeakers at places of worship, a proposal widely viewed as targeting the Muslim call to prayer.
The bill, commonly referred to as the “Muezzin Bill,” passed its preliminary reading in the Knesset on Wednesday by 50 votes to 36.
The proposed legislation would regulate the use of loudspeaker systems at houses of worship under provisions aimed at limiting noise. However, public and political debate has centred primarily on its potential impact on the Muslim call to prayer (adhan) broadcast from mosques.
The bill was introduced by Otzma Yehudit lawmaker Zvika Fogel.
It must still pass committee review and three additional readings in the Knesset before becoming law.
The Shas party voted in favour of the proposal, while members of United Torah Judaism abstained. Their abstention came amid reports of understandings with Arab parties over legislation affecting the ultra-Orthodox community, including the proposed Basic Law on Torah study.
Critics of the bill argue that it disproportionately targets Israel’s Arab minority and infringes on freedom of worship.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir welcomed the vote, describing it as an important step toward strengthening law enforcement.
“There have been many years of lawlessness,” Ben Gvir said.
“Governance begins with noise. In Rahat and the unrecognised villages, there are people suffering from this, and children suffering from these sounds.”
He added that similar measures had been discussed for decades without being enacted.
“These are very important laws that haven’t been passed for thirty years. We are here to uphold rights and ensure good governance,” he said.
Similar versions of the legislation have been introduced several times in recent years but have not previously completed the legislative process.
