The only "democracy" in Western Asia, againts press freedom. La única "democracia" en Asia Occidental, en contra de la libertad de prensa. ENG ESP

The only "democracy" in Western Asia, againts press freedom

Israeli government approves controversial closure of Army Radio after 75 years

Entering election year, Netanyahu’s government targets Israel’s free press

By Tal Shalev and Eugenia Yosef
22 December 2025

The Israeli government has approved the closure of the country’s Army Radio after 75 years of broadcasting, in a move that shutters one of Israel’s oldest media institutions at a time of mounting concerns over press freedom.

Under the proposal, introduced by Defense Minister Israel Katz, the station, known as Galei Tzahal, will cease operations on March 1.

The resolution passed unanimously Monday despite opposition from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who warned in an official memorandum that the decision lacked the necessary factual and professional foundation and that advancing it violated the law.

“The decision forms part of a broader move to undermine public broadcasting in Israel and to restrict freedom of expression,” Baharav-Miara said in a statement.

Entering election year, Netanyahu’s government targets Israel’s free press

The Israel Press Council, the Israeli journalists’ union, and other civil society groups have said they will challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.

Katz announced his intention to close down Army Radio last month, amid a broader government push to consolidate control over the media sphere, including a dramatic broadcast regulation reform that would give the government sweeping authority to fine and sanction news outlets.

The military-run broadcaster is legally an IDF unit overseen by the Chief of Staff, but has a vibrant news department operated by both soldiers and civilian journalists, who host some of the country’s most popular political talk shows and some of the journalists are regularly critical of politicians and the military.

Katz is not the first defense minister to dislike the tone of Army Radio’s journalist and others had previously floated the idea of closing or restructuring it. But he is the first to take action - – convening what critics have called a hand-picked committee of figures politically aligned with the government who recommended closing the station down or converting it to a different model, without substantial news and political content.

Katz said in a statement that “a reality in which a radio station, intended for all citizens of the state, is operated by the army is an anomaly that does not exist in democratic countries.”

“This anomaly causes substantial difficulty for the IDF stemming from the involuntary involvement of the IDF in political discourse. The station’s engagement in political content harms the Israel Defense Forces, its soldiers, and its unity.”

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid condemned the decision, calling it “part of the government’s campaign to abolish freedom of speech in Israel during an election year. They fail to control reality, so they try to control consciousness. Wherever there’s a truth inconvenient to the government, they act to eliminate it.”

“The government doesn’t know how to deal with the cost of living, the neglect of security … so it shuts down the media,” he said.

The Israeli government on Monday 22 December 2025 approved plans to shut down one of the country's respected military radio stations, claiming it broadcasts "divisive content" which is not in line with military values.

Founded in 1950 and staffed by both military and civilian personnel, Galei Tzahal (literally: "Waves of the IDF") is Israel's third most popular radio station with a market share of almost 18%.

Despite its inherent links to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Galei Tzahal (abbreviated as GLZ) has a reputation for impartial journalism, reliable information and public debate. As such, it also broadcasts programs which are critical of the Israeli government and the IDF, thus bringing it to the attention of Defense Minister Israel Katz.

"Over the past two years, throughout the war, many soldiers and citizens, including bereaved families, have repeatedly complained that they feel the station does not represent them, and that it even undermines the war effort and morale," Katz said, justifying his proposal to close the station.

He accused GLZ of broadcasting "political and divisive content that is not in line with the values of the Israeli army" and claimed that "a situation in which a radio station intended for all citizens is operated by the military is an anomaly that does not exist in democratic countries."

The Israeli opposition has slammed the move, accusing Netanyahu's government of clamping down on freedom of speech and attempting to control the media ahead of elections scheduled for October 2026.

"They can't control reality, so they try to control minds," opposition leader Yair Lapid wrote, warning against the closure of other critical media outlets.

"They won't stop," he continued. "Wherever there is a truth that is uncomfortable for the government, they act to eliminate it."

Israeli television station i24news reported that the head of Galei Tzahal, Tal Lev-Ram, intends to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who also serves as the government's legal adviser and is currently facing dismissal proceedings initiated by Netanyahu, said the move "poses questions regarding an infringement on freedom of expression and of the press" and "raises concerns about possible political interference in public broadcasting."

Her office stated that closing the station would require a vote in parliament, while an appraisal seen by the AFP news agency stated that the decision "does not meet the required legal criteria and cannot be advanced in its current form."