Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to seek government approval for shutting down Army Radio, known as Galei Tzahal, with the closure scheduled for March 1, 2026.
Legal Challenges Emerge
Army Radio commander Tal Lev-Ram stated they would contest the closure in the High Court of Justice. "A heavy shadow hangs over the committee's work, which from the outset operated under the premise that 'what was will no longer be,'" he said, criticizing the process.
Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara expressed concerns, saying the move "raises concerns about political interference in public broadcasting and raises questions regarding the violation of freedom of expression and the press."
Criticism from Press Council
The Israel Press Council, led by former Supreme Court Justice Hanan Melcer, declared Katz's decision "illegitimate and illegal," arguing the station can only be closed through Knesset legislation and threatening High Court intervention.
The Movement for Quality Government in Israel vowed to petition the High Court, calling the defense minister's decision a "continuation of the dangerous trend of systematically attacking the free press."
Committee Recommendations
A professional committee appointed by Katz described the military radio station broadcasting to the general public as "a democratic anomaly that has no equal in the world," claiming its news involvement "harms the IDF's status as the people's army."
Katz argued that "As I have made clear, what was is not what will be. The Israeli government established Army Radio as a military station to serve as a mouthpiece and an ear for IDF soldiers and their families - and not as a platform for voicing opinions, many of which attack the IDF and the IDF soldiers themselves."
The committee considered alternatives including transferring the station to another public body, privatization, or partial closure, ultimately recommending either converting Army Radio to a "Soldiers' Home" model broadcasting only music and brief news, or complete closure.
Historical Context
Multiple former defense ministers have discussed closing the station when it criticized them or their governments' policies, but typically backed off or sought compromises through personnel changes or program diversification.
The station has operated for 75 years, serving as both a news outlet and cultural presence for the military. The Galgalatz music and transportation station operated by the IDF is expected to continue operating in its current format.
Katz said a professional team will oversee implementation, ensuring civilian employees can end their employment under proper arrangements while safeguarding their rights.
