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Ben-Gvir bans call for prayer by mosques for ‘disturbing’ Israelis.
Israel’s far-right minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has banned the call for prayer, known as the ‘adhan’, claiming the sound from mosques would “disturb” Israelis.
Ben-Gvir said the policy was introduced alongside extremist minister Idit Silman, saying the call to prayer by mosques was an “unreasonable noise”, saying allowing the calls to continue was a sign of “lawlessness”.
In a post on X late on Saturday, Ben-Gvir said he was “proud” to introduce this policy to ban the Islamic call for prayer, which typically lasts around two minutes, saying it was a “hazard” for Israelis who reside near mosques.
Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the extremist minister had called on the police to enforce his directive by entering mosque compounds, confiscating speakers and issuing fines if they are used.
Leader of the United Arab List, Mansour Abbas, said Ben-Gvir was “trying to fan the flames and drag the Muslim Arab citizens into responding to his provocations”.
Writing on X, Abbas said: “He failed at Al-Aqsa Mosque and today tries to provoke all mosques. Ben Gvir is constantly trying to sabotage common life in the country, and it’s time to put an end to it.”
Israeli MK Gilad Kariv said the minister “endangers” Israel, saying he was doing “everything to light the fire”.
“This brat won’t stop until one match finally ignites the barrel,” Kariv wrote on X.
Ben-Gvir heads one of the two hardline religious-nationalist parties in Israel’s coalition parliament and has been known for his inflammatory statements, even ones that conflict with Israel’s far-right government, such as changing the status quo of access and control over the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
Netanyahu’s office immediately put out a statement in August after the minister said he would build a synagogue in Al-Aqsa mosque after repeating calls for Jews to pray at the mosque in occupied Jerusalem.
The minister also caused outrage for leading raids with thousands of Israelis into the holy site where Jewish extremists and settlers perform rituals.
(new arab)