Israel Tightens Regulations on Mosque Loudspeaker Use

The Israeli Ministerial Committee for Legislation has approved a bill that will introduce new restrictions on the use of loudspeakers for the Adhan in mosques. The bill was agreed upon on Sunday (31/05/2026).

As reported by the Middle East Monitor on Monday (01/06/2026), the bill was proposed by the Head of the Knesset National Security Committee, Zvika Fogel, and is supported by Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir. Ben-Gvir’s party, Otzma Yehudit, also supports the bill.

Under the proposed legislation, mosques will be required to obtain permission before installing or operating loudspeaker systems. The bill also grants broader enforcement authority to the Israeli police.

According to the bill, the authorisation for the installation and use of loudspeakers will be assessed based on several factors, including noise levels, noise reduction measures, the location of the mosque, proximity to residential areas, and the impact on local residents.

The bill adopts what its supporters describe as a framework where prohibition is the default rule and permission is only granted through an approval process. If enacted, the law will empower the police to order the immediate cessation of loudspeaker use whenever they suspect a violation of permit conditions or regulations.