Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has implemented a contentious policy banning the Islamic call to prayer, or adhan, citing concerns about its impact on nearby residents. The decision has sparked widespread criticism, both locally and internationally.
Ben-Gvir announced the policy in collaboration with Idit Silman, another far-right minister in the government. He justified the ban by describing the call to prayer as “unreasonable noise” and framed the move as a step toward restoring “law and order.”
Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Ben-Gvir expressed pride in enforcing the policy, which he labeled as necessary for the well-being of Israelis living close to mosques. He further described the two-minute adhan as a “hazard” and pledged stringent enforcement through police intervention.
According to Israeli media outlet Channel 12, police officers have been instructed to enter mosque premises, confiscate loudspeakers, and issue fines to violators.
Outrage Among Arab and Opposition Leaders
The policy has ignited sharp criticism, particularly from Arab-Israeli leaders and opposition lawmakers. Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List, condemned the directive, accusing Ben-Gvir of incitement and deliberately provoking Muslim citizens.
On X, Abbas wrote:
פרסום ראשון: בן גביר מנחה את צמרת המשטרה לאכוף החרמת רמקולים במסגדים ולהגביר את הקנסות בערים המעורבות והיישובים הערביים, בגלל תלונות על רעש. בהנהגת הציבור הערבי מזהירים: ההתגרות של בן גביר תביא לתסיסה ואף למהומות. pic.twitter.com/GMik3pQRho
— מוחמד מג’אדלה محمد مجادلة (@mmagadli) November 30, 2024
“He failed at Al-Aqsa Mosque and now tries to provoke all mosques. Ben-Gvir continuously seeks to disrupt coexistence, and it’s time to put an end to his divisive agenda.”
Gilad Kariv, an opposition member of the Israeli Knesset, expressed alarm over the potential consequences of the decision, accusing Ben-Gvir of recklessness.
“This reckless move endangers Israel. He’s playing with fire, and it’s only a matter of time before his actions lead to irreversible consequences,” Kariv warned on social media.
A History of Controversy
Ben-Gvir, who leads the far-right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, has a long history of inflammatory rhetoric and actions. He has previously pushed for significant changes to the sensitive status quo surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, including calls for increased Jewish access and ritualistic practices at the site.
READ MORE: Sambhal Mosque Survey: Police Deploy Tear Gas to Disperse Protesters During Clashes
In August, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office distanced itself from Ben-Gvir’s controversial statements about constructing a synagogue at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The minister has also led mass incursions into the mosque compound, accompanied by settlers performing religious rituals, further straining tensions with Palestinians and Muslim communities.
Calls for Unity and Resistance
Arab-Israeli leaders and human rights advocates have called for resistance to the policy, urging unity among communities affected by the decision. Critics argue that the move not only violates religious freedoms but also threatens the delicate coexistence between diverse groups in Israel.
The ban on the adhan comes amid ongoing tensions over religious and cultural practices in the region, raising concerns over the broader implications for peace and social harmony.
