Ben-Gvir orders seizing loudspeakers used for Muslim prayer calls
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The Israeli Police Minister also called for fines to be imposed in cases where seizing of the loudspeakers is not possible.
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Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of Police, shouts during a Knesset session, in occupied al-Quds, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 (AP)
Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir instructed the Israeli police leadership to begin seizing loudspeakers used for the call to prayer (adhan) in mosques, particularly in Palestinian cities within the 1948 occupied territories, under the pretext that "the adhan disturbs the settlers."
According to Israeli media, Ben-Gvir also called for fines to be imposed in cases where seizing of the loudspeakers is not possible.
Meanwhile, the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported that Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz will propose, during the upcoming Cabinet session, approval for the demolition of the homes of Palestinian Resistance fighters who carry out operations against Israeli settlers.
In November, Katz announced the end of administrative detention orders for West Bank settlers.
This controversial policy, which allows Israeli authorities to hold individuals without charge for up to six months with indefinite renewals, is primarily used against Palestinians but has also been applied to some extremist Israeli settlers.
Under the practice, detainees are often denied access to the evidence against them, which is withheld by military prosecutors.
Assault on freedom of worship
Hamas slammed Ben-Gvir's decision as a "serious crime and an aggression he is committing against our mosques and our people."
Labeling the move a "new assault on freedom of worship," the movement warned that it risks escalating "a religious war that the Zionist enemy and its extremist leaders are trying to ignite."
The Palestinian Resistance group called on the people in the 1948 occupied territories "to reject this criminal decision and to take action to prevent the fascist occupation authorities from messing with our sanctities and religious rituals."
Flag ban legislation approved
Earlier, The Times of Israel reported that the ministerial committee approved a bill banning the display of what it described as "enemy" nation flags, including the Palestinian flag, at institutions funded or supported by the Israeli occupation regime.
Sponsored by Deputy Knesset Speaker Nissim Vaturi (Likud), the amendment to the penal code designates gatherings of two or more individuals waving such flags as unlawful assemblies, punishable by up to a year in prison and a minimum fine of NIS 10,000 ($2,700).
The legislation targets institutions like universities, where Palestinian flags have been displayed during protests. Vaturi has criticized anti-government demonstrators in the past, accusing them of acting as a “branch” of Hamas.
Similar legislation promoted by far-right factions last year failed to pass amid opposition from university presidents.
The committee’s approval follows last week’s endorsement of other security-related measures, including the mandatory adoption of a "national security" strategy, extending emergency media censorship regulations, and permitting police to covertly access suspects’ computers with secret warrants, The Times of Israel noted.
These measures are part of Israeli policies aimed at tightening restrictions on Palestinians, looting their lands, and encroaching on their rights and freedoms.
