The Israeli government has decided to shut down Army Radio, a popular station that has been in operation for 75 years, following a unanimous cabinet decision. The move, which is set to take effect by March next year, has sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the government of attempting to curtail press freedom. Army Radio, also known as Galei Tzahal, is a unit of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and operates a significant news department staffed by both soldiers and civilian journalists.
The decision to close the station was proposed by Defense Minister Israel Katz, who argued that the station’s involvement in political programming undermines the military’s neutrality and cohesion. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the move, stating that a military-run broadcaster serving the general public is unusual and citing North Korea as an example of a country with a similar model.
Critics, including Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, have argued that the decision is illegal and fails to consider the impact on freedom of expression. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has accused the government of attempting to control the media, particularly in an election year. Journalist unions and watchdog groups have vowed to petition the High Court of Justice to block the closure.
The shutdown of Army Radio would result in the elimination of roughly half of Israel’s independent public news broadcasting, according to the Israel Democracy Institute think tank. This move is seen as part of a broader pattern of harm to Israeli democracy. Additionally, the government has extended its authority under the ‘Al Jazeera Law’, which allows it to close foreign media outlets operating in Israel if their content is deemed to pose a threat to national security.
The closure of Army Radio has significant implications for the media landscape in Israel and has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to press freedom. The issue is likely to be contested in court, and the outcome may have far-reaching consequences for the country’s democratic institutions. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the government’s decision will be implemented and what impact it will have on the Israeli media.
