Israeli Knesset passes bill limiting mosque loudspeakers

Israeli Knesset passes bill limiting mosque loudspeakers The Knesset on Wednesday passed its preliminary reading of a bill, put forward by the far-right party Otzma Yehudit, that would limit mosque loudspeakers. According to Israeli media, “Mosques and other houses of worship would be barred from installing or operating a public address system without a permit. Police would be granted authority to enter premises where a violation is suspected in order to halt the use of the system, and in cases of continued violation, to confiscate the equipment entirely.” Violation of the rule would carry a fine of up to 50,000 shekels. The bill received 50 votes in its favour and 36 against, but requires three more readings to come into effect. Palestinian Muslim worshippers walk on the grounds of the Dome of the Rock shrine at Al-Aqsa Mosque Complex in Jerusalem, on 30 June 2026 (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP)