Israeli gov't unanimously votes to shut down military radio station Galatz

The government on Monday unanimously approved Defense Minister Israel Katz's proposal to close the military radio station Army Radio, known as Galey Tzahal or Galatz in Hebrew.

Following the decision, Defense Minister Katz ordered the immediate halt of recruitment to the unit and instructed that soldiers currently serving there, both in regular and reserve service, be reassigned to other IDF units.

During the discussion, Katz said, “The reality in which a radio station intended for all citizens of Israel is operated by the military is an anomaly that does not exist in democratic countries. This anomaly creates significant difficulties for the IDF, as it forces the army, against its will, into political discourse. The station’s involvement in political content harms the Israel Defense Forces, its soldiers, and its unity.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu added: “A military station broadcasting under the authority of the army—I think this exists in North Korea and maybe a few other countries, and we certainly do not want to be counted among them. There have been repeated proposals to shut down or privatize Army Radio. I must say I am open to all these proposals because I believe in competition.”

Minister Orit Strock said in the meeting that “Galatz is the only IDF unit in which Sabbath and Israeli holiday desecration is carried out by order, with no connection to security or life-saving operations. This is another reason to close the station, in addition to the recommendation of three former chiefs of staff and the fundamental ethical problem of having IDF soldiers involved in politics. This must also be addressed in the decision that is made.”

Strock added that the same problem exists with the IDF's music radio station Galgalatz, and therefore, it is appropriate to close that station as well. She suggested it could be transferred to the Ministry of Transportation, “where it could return to its original purpose as part of the effort to combat traffic accidents.”

The Journalists’ Union announced that it would petition the Supreme Court against the government’s decision: “This is a severe and unlawful violation of freedom of expression and freedom of the press."

"The decision is unreasonable and disproportionate, undermining the foundations of democracy and the rule of law. The government has no authority to take any steps regarding the station’s broadcasts—the matter falls under the exclusive responsibility of the Knesset, as news broadcasts on Galatz are an integral part of public broadcasting, as determined by the Broadcasting Corporation Law and Supreme Court rulings.”

Another petition will be filed today by the NGO “Academy for a Democratic Israel,” alongside six former station commanders, journalists, and current and former presenters: “This unprecedented political attack on the media market and the fundamental principles of freedom of expression and the press reaches its peak under the current government, which is promoting a series of legislative and regulatory initiatives whose practical purpose is to weaken the free media and subject it to government control.”

Efi Ben Abraham, chairman of the Galatz Committee and presenter, responded to the decision on Kan Reshet Bet Radio: “I have tears in my eyes. It’s sad that this is what the government is doing after 75 glorious years of broadcasting. This is a political decision aimed at silencing criticism of the government. We will not give up. Today it’s us, tomorrow it will be the public broadcasting station, and the day after that it will be commercial media. We’ll become like Hungary or Poland – we must say enough.”

As reported on Kan News, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara submitted an opinion this morning opposing the move, arguing that “There is a legal impediment.”

According to the attorney general, the proposal does not meet legal standards. “A violation of freedom of expression of this magnitude requires primary legislation,” she argued.

The legal advisor also noted that the minister’s discretion was flawed and that his advisory committee included individuals with ties to the Likud party. According to her, the timing of the decision – just months before elections – increases concerns about harming freedom of expression. “The proposal cannot be advanced,” the legal advisor wrote.

About a month ago, Katz decided to close Army Radio and announced that its broadcasts would cease by March 1, 2026. He also decided to form a professional team within the Defense Ministry to implement the decision.

In justifying the closure, the minister said: “As I have clarified, what was in the past, will not be. Galatz was established by the Israeli government as a military station to serve as a mouthpiece and ear for IDF soldiers and their families – not as a platform for opinions, many of which criticize the IDF and its soldiers themselves.”

“The continued operation of the station forces the IDF, against its will, into political discourse and severely harms its status as a national army and its institutional character,” Katz added, claiming that soldiers had complained that the station “does not represent them and undermines war efforts.”