It has been on the air for over 75 years. But Benjamin Netanyahu’s government still wants to shut down Israel’s army radio, Galeï Tsahal, by March 2026. Run by soldiers and civilians, the radio is supposed to be independent from the editorial point of view of the powers that be.
“Galei Tsahal was created as a military station serving soldiers and their families, and not as a forum for disseminating opinions, many of which are critical of the Israeli army and its soldiers,” Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed in a statement quoted by Ynet media.
“The closure of this station is necessary to protect the national character of the Israeli army and strengthen public trust,” added Israel Katz, but emphasized that he wanted to maintain the branch responsible for music and traffic information, the Galgalatz station.
“Famous decision”
“Israel Katz will not close any media in the State of Israel. The journalists’ union will fight this disastrous decision until it is reversed,” the Israel Journalists’ Union responded in a statement, which was still quoted by Ynet.
“The decision to close Galei Tsahal in an election year is a new attempt to manipulate the rules of the game carried out by the government for fear of criticism and knowing that they will lose the election,” opposition leader Yaïr Lapid, for his part, criticized X, and accused the Minister of Defense of wanting to “silence all criticism.”
The closure of the station must still be left to all governments. Legislative elections in Israel will take place no later than October 27 2026 to elect members of Parliament, the Knesset. Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he intends to run for a new term as Prime Minister.
