TEL AVIV, January 22, 2026 (WAFA) – The Knesset's National Security Committee approved regulations Wednesday evening allowing police volunteers to issue fines related to environmental quality.

These regulations, proposed by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, sparked opposition from members of the opposition, who argued that they could enable emergency and security teams, particularly in coastal cities, to impose restrictions on the call to prayer (Adhan) from mosques.

The regulations expand the powers of police volunteers and security personnel, allowing them to issue fines related to environmental issues after completing the necessary training.

Ben-Gvir called on police commanders to respond to complaints from Jewish residents regarding the volume of the Adhan. He also indicated that efforts to address the issue were insufficient and praised the then-commander of the Central District, Yair Hatzroni, who stated that he had begun imposing hefty fines on mosques.

K.T