Israel shuts down Army Radio after 75 years citing neutrality concerns

The Israeli government has decided to shut down Army Radio, a popular station that has been on the air for 75 years, following a unanimous cabinet decision. The closure is slated to take effect by March next year and has provoked widespread criticism, with many accusing the government of curtailing press freedom.

Army Radio, also known as Galei Tzahal, is a unit of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that runs a substantial news department staffed by both soldiers and civilian journalists. The proposal to close the station came from Defense Minister Israel Katz, who argued that its involvement in political programming undermines the military’s neutrality and cohesion. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the move, saying that a military‑run broadcaster serving the general public is unusual and citing North Korea as an example of a similar model.

Critics, including Attorney General Gali Baharav‑Miara, contend that the decision is illegal and neglects the impact on freedom of expression. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has accused the government of trying to control the media, especially in an election year. Journalist unions and watchdog groups have pledged to petition the High Court of Justice to block the closure.

According to the Israel Democracy Institute, shutting down Army Radio would eliminate roughly half of Israel’s independent public news broadcasting, reflecting a broader pattern of harm to Israeli democracy. The government has also extended its authority under the “Al Jazeera Law,” which permits it to close foreign media outlets operating in Israel if their content is deemed a national‑security threat.

The closure has significant implications for Israel’s media landscape and raises concerns about the government’s commitment to press freedom. The issue is expected to be contested in court, and the outcome could have far‑reaching consequences for the country’s democratic institutions. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the decision will be implemented and what impact it will have on Israeli media.