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Israel’s Defense Minister Moves to Close Army Radio by March 2026

The plan now goes to the cabinet for approval with court challenges expected from media bodies and the station’s leadership.

Overview

  • Israel Katz said he will submit a government resolution to shut Galei Tzahal, arguing the station undermines the IDF’s nonpartisan character and war effort.
  • He set March 1, 2026 as the target to end broadcasts and ordered a Defense Ministry team to manage the process, assist civilian staff, and keep Galgalatz operating.
  • Army Radio chief Tal Lev-Ram condemned the move as a blow to press freedom and pledged to fight it.
  • The Israel Press Council and the journalists’ union called the decision improper or illegal and signaled plans for legal action, citing the station’s status in primary law.
  • An advisory committee Katz appointed held 19 days of hearings and recommended closure or scrapping current-affairs programming, noting the station’s mixed funding and broad public reach.