It has been broadcasting for over 75 years. But the government of Benjamin Netanyahu still wants to close the Israeli army radio, Galeï Tsahal, by March 2026. Managed by soldiers and civilians, it is supposed to be independent from an editorial point of view from the power in place.
“Galei Tsahal was created as a military station serving soldiers and their families, and not as a forum to disseminate opinions, many of which criticize the Israeli army and its soldiers,” Defense Minister Israel Katz justified in a statement, cited by the Ynet media.
“The closure of the station is essential to protect the national character of the Israeli army and strengthen public confidence,” added Israel Katz, nevertheless affirming that he wanted to maintain the branch responsible for music and traffic information, the Galgalatz station.
“Fame decision”
“Israel Katz will not shut down any media outlets in the State of Israel. The journalists’ union will fight against this disastrous decision until it is annulled,” the Union of Israeli Journalists responded in a statement, still cited by Ynet.
“The decision to close Galei Tsahal in an election year is a new attempt to manipulate the rules of the game by a government fearing criticism and knowing that it will lose the elections,” opposition leader Yaïr Lapid, for his part, denounced on X, accusing the Minister of Defense of wanting to “silence all critics.”
The closure of the station must still be submitted to the entire government. Legislative elections in Israel will take place no later than October 27, 2026 to elect members of Parliament, the Knesset. Benjamin Netanyahu has already announced that he intends to run for a new term as Prime Minister.