The Israeli government on Monday 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."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged ministers to back Katz' proposal, saying: "There have long been recurring proposals to remove Galei Tzahal from the military framework, abolish it, or privatize it."
He claimed that only "North Korea and maybe a few other countries" have public news radio stations controlled by the military. "And we certainly don't want to be like them," Netanyahu stressed.
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."
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