Overview
- The cabinet unanimously approved Defense Minister Israel Katz’s plan to close Galei Tzahal, with a Defense Ministry team assigned to carry out the shutdown.
- Katz said a professional review found a military-run broadcaster serving the general public to be a democratic anomaly that draws the IDF into political discourse and harms unity.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the move, saying a military station broadcasting to the public is something found in North Korea and that it is time to end it.
- The Israeli Press Council argued the closure requires Knesset legislation, civil society groups said they are preparing petitions, and the station’s commander signaled a High Court challenge.
- Galgalatz, the IDF’s music and road-safety station, will continue broadcasting as officials consider separating it from direct military control.