The Israeli government has approved the closure of Army Radio, a prominent broadcaster that has operated for the last 75 years. This decision, made under the leadership of Defense Minister Israel Katz, will see the station, officially known as Galei Tzahal, cease operations on March 1, 2024. The move has raised significant concerns about press freedom in Israel, particularly as it comes during a time of increasing scrutiny over government control of media outlets.
The resolution to close the station was passed unanimously on Monday, despite strong objections from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. In an official memorandum, she argued that the decision lacked a solid factual basis and violated legal standards. “The decision forms part of a broader move to undermine public broadcasting in Israel and to restrict freedom of expression,” Baharav-Miara stated.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the decision, drawing comparisons to military-run stations in countries such as North Korea. He expressed a desire for Israel not to be associated with such models, asserting that a military-operated station is not consistent with democratic principles.
The closure has prompted a backlash from various organizations, including the Israel Press Council and the Israeli journalists’ union, both of which have announced plans to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court. This resistance underscores the broader implications of the government’s push to consolidate control over the media landscape, which includes proposed reforms that would grant the government extensive authority to impose fines and sanctions on news organizations.
The military broadcaster is classified as a unit of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), overseen by the Chief of Staff. Despite its military affiliation, Army Radio has been known for its vibrant news department, featuring a mix of soldiers and civilian journalists. Over the years, it has hosted some of Israel’s most popular political talk shows, often providing critical perspectives on government policies and military actions.
Katz’s intention to close Army Radio was revealed last month as part of a broader initiative aimed at reshaping media oversight in Israel. Critics have labeled the committee he convened as politically aligned with the government, arguing that its recommendations lacked impartiality. Katz contended that a military-operated radio station is an anomaly in democratic societies and stated, “This anomaly causes substantial difficulty for the IDF stemming from the involuntary involvement of the IDF in political discourse.”
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid condemned the government’s decision, proclaiming it as part of a larger campaign to suppress freedom of speech in Israel. He accused the government of attempting to control public perception in light of challenges such as rising living costs and security concerns. “Wherever there’s a truth inconvenient to the government, they act to eliminate it,” Lapid remarked.
The approval of the closure of Army Radio not only marks the end of a historic institution but also raises critical questions regarding the future of press freedom in Israel. As the situation develops, the responses from civil society and legal institutions will be closely monitored, reflecting the ongoing tension between government authority and media independence.
