Israeli Cabinet Approves Shutdown of 75-Year-Old Military Radio Station Galei Tzahal
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Israeli cabinet has formally approved the termination of the military radio station Galei Tzahal, effective March 1, 2026. The decision marks the end of the 75-year-old station, which will no longer be part of the public media landscape.
Tal Lev Ram, director of Israel’s military radio and a former military correspondent for the Maariv newspaper, announced plans to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court. He vowed to fight the closure, which is being pursued by Yisrael Katz with the support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Gali Baharav Miara, Israel’s Attorney General, warned that the move raises concerns about political interference in public media and poses serious questions about violations of freedom of expression and press freedom.
Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the decision during the cabinet meeting, stating that military-run radio stations are only seen in countries like North Korea and that Israel should not follow such a model. He emphasized the need for competition and privatization, arguing that the radio’s involvement in political and current affairs undermines military unity and standing.
The decision was met with sharp criticism from legal bodies, with Attorney General Miara cautioning that it strengthens suspicions of political meddling in public broadcasting and constitutes a violation of press freedom. The Israeli Press Council, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Hanan Melcer, also condemned the cabinet’s decision as “illegal,” asserting that shutting down the station would require legislation in the Knesset.
