JEDDAH: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Thursday condemned the Israeli Parliament’s preliminary approval of a bill that seeks to restrict the Muslim call to prayer from mosques across the country.
The OIC described the proposed legislation as a “discriminatory and racist” measure, saying it constitutes a blatant violation of the right to freedom of religion and worship.
“This legislation represents a dangerous escalation within the context of a series of racist Israeli decisions, legislation, and measures aimed at restricting the Palestinian presence and targeting Arab and Islamic identity; it also constitutes a direct attack on the sanctity of religious rites and Islamic holy sites,” it said in a statement.
It called on the international community, particularly the United Nations and its relevant bodies, to take urgent action to halt Israeli measures and policies that violate international law.
The OIC Condemns the Approval by the So-called “#Israeli #Knesset” of a Bill Aimed at Preventing the #CallToPrayer pic.twitter.com/bxAJS5YQx1
— OIC (@OIC_OCI) July 2, 2026
It also urged the repeal of the proposed legislation and other measures it characterised as discriminatory and illegal, and called for safeguards to ensure freedom of worship and the protection of Islamic holy sites.
Israeli lawmakers on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to the so-called “muezzin bill” by a vote of 50-36. The proposed legislation, which seeks to regulate the use and volume of loudspeakers at mosques, must clear three additional readings before it can become law.
The bill was introduced by Knesset member Zvika Fogel of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. It also received backing from the opposition Yisrael Beiteinu party and the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, a member of the governing coalition.
A muezzin is responsible for delivering the call to prayer five times daily, including the pre-dawn Fajr prayer.
If enacted, the legislation would require mosques to obtain permits for the use of loudspeakers. Mosques found in violation could face fines of around $16,700, while police would be empowered to confiscate loudspeakers and impose additional fines of approximately $3,340 for repeat offences.
