Israeli Knesset Approves Call to Prayer Ban

The Israeli Knesset has initially approved a bill aimed at banning the call to prayer (adhan) from mosque loudspeakers, in an effort to reduce "mosque noise." The bill received support from 50 members of Parliament, with 36 opposed. The law requires three additional readings before it becomes active. It includes imposing fines of up to 50,000 shekels for operating sound systems without a license, and grants broad powers to police to confiscate non-compliant equipment. This step comes as part of efforts to restrict the use of loudspeakers in mosques, amid criticism from groups supporting the sovereignty of the state and the rights of the residents.