Israeli war minister shuts down army radio in sudden move

According to Channel 11 (KAN), the Israeli state broadcaster, Katz issued a unilateral and unexpected order on Wednesday to close down the “Galei Tzahal” (Army Radio) station, which operates under the Israeli army.

Under the order, the station’s programming will be suspended until March 1, 2026, and a special team from the War Ministry—appointed by Katz—will oversee the implementation of this directive.

The committee established by the war minister to review the army radio’s activities announced that the station will only broadcast music going forward.

Katz claimed that the radio station had become a “platform for military commanders and officials to express opinions critical of the army,” arguing that its continued operation “entangles the military in political issues and severely damages its credibility.”

He further alleged that several soldiers had complained about Galei Tzahal’s programs, saying they “criticize Israel’s war in Gaza.”

Senior army commander Tal Lev-Ram reacted sharply to the decision, saying: “We were completely blindsided by the Defense Minister’s order. This decision was made without giving us any opportunity to respond to the committee’s report.”

He condemned what he called the biased composition of the review committee and its manipulated findings, pledging to fight for the continuation of Galei Tzahal’s work.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Journalists Association also announced that it would make efforts to keep the station operating.

Military analysts have criticized Katz’s decision, warning that it comes at a dangerous time and poses a serious threat to what remains of media freedom in Israel.