Ben-Gvir Orders Confiscation of Mosque Loudspeakers, Citing Disturbance.

Jerusalem: Ultranationalist Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has instructed the Israeli police to confiscate loudspeakers from mosques, claiming that the call to prayer, or 'adhan', disturbs Jewish residents. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Ben-Gvir issued directives to the police to seize the loudspeakers, particularly in mixed cities (those with both Jewish and Arab populations), arguing that the adhan causes a disturbance for local Jewish residents. In response to the decision, Ben-Gvir posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating, "I am proud to lead a policy aimed at reducing the unreasonable noise from mosque loudspeakers, which has become a source of disturbance to the residents of Israel." The decision to confiscate mosque loudspeakers has sparked condemnation from Arab Knesset members, including prominent MP Ahmad Tibi, who criticized Ben-Gvir for using the situation to inflame religious tensions. Tibi accused the hard-right minister of expl oiting the atmosphere of war to cater to his electoral base, suppress the Arab community, and target Palestinian citizens. Tibi added, "This time, Ben-Gvir is targeting the muezzins and the mosques. We will fight against this oppression and Islamophobia." Ben-Gvir is known for his extreme right-wing positions and inflammatory rhetoric against Palestinians, which has sparked widespread controversy both within Israel and internationally. Since the outbreak of the Israeli assault on Gaza on October 7, 2023, he has intensified his provocative statements, including calls for the execution of Palestinian detainees, the annexation of the West Bank, and the re-establishment of Israeli control over Gaza.