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.