Israel bans loudspeakers for the call to prayer (Azan)

Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Giv'er, has directed mosques to stop using loudspeakers for the Azan, authorizing police to intervene and confiscate equipment if the order is violated, according to Channel 12. Ben-Giv'er defended the move, claiming it addresses "unreasonable noise" and protects residents, expressing pride in the policy on X. However, opposition leaders sharply criticized the ban. Labor Party's Gilad Kariv accused Ben-Giv'er of jeopardizing national security, warning of potential unrest. Hades-Ta’al leader Ahmed Tibi condemned the policy as rooted in anti-Arab sentiment and held Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accountable for Ben-Giv'er’s divisive actions.