A bill to crack down on mosque loudspeaker noise passed its preliminary vote, backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and National Security Committee Chairman MK Zvika Fogel of the Jewish Power party.
2+The legislation would ban mosques from installing or operating loudspeaker systems without a permit. Permits would be evaluated based on noise levels, mitigation measures, the mosque’s location, proximity to residential areas, and impact on residents. If violations occur, police could demand immediate shutdown—and if the violation continues, confiscate the loudspeaker system.
The bill sets steep fines: ₪50,000 for operating or installing a system without a permit, and ₪10,000 for operating in violation of permit conditions. Fine revenues would go to the state’s forfeiture fund.
2+Unlike previous bills that focused only on limiting loudspeaker hours and allowed broad exemptions with limited enforcement, this legislation establishes a structured licensing and oversight system, imposes clear personal liability on operators, and significantly strengthens enforcement powers and penalties. It also creates a dedicated mechanism to funnel enforcement revenues toward public projects.
The bill’s explanatory notes state that noise is a health hazard, and despite past enforcement operations, no current law provides adequate tools to address the problem. The proposal therefore establishes clear regulation including a default ban, explicit permits, appointment of an operator responsible for compliance, and substantial fines. The bill aims to restore quiet and quality of life for residents through effective and clear enforcement.
2+National Security Minister MK Itamar Ben-Gvir said: “In many places, muezzin noise is unreasonable noise that harms residents’ quality of life and health. This is a phenomenon we cannot accept. Under my watch, for the first time the Israel Police began addressing this intolerable phenomenon, and now we’re giving it dramatic additional tools to eliminate it. I thank Minister Idit Silman for her cooperation, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz, and the members of Jewish Power who are faithful to our election promises and working hard to fulfill them one by one.”
National Security Committee Chairman MK Zvika Fogel said: “The muezzin at extreme volumes is not a religious matter—it’s harm to public health and quality of life. It’s unacceptable for residents to continue suffering from systematic violations of the law. That’s why I submitted this bill—to enable sharp, clear, and determined treatment of the phenomenon.”