Army Radio

Was gov’t’s decision to shutter Army Radio legitimate? HCJ hearing opens 

The government decided in December to close the 75-year-old military broadcaster, following a committee’s recommendation and months of pressure from Defense Minister Israel Katz.

  The hearing in the Supreme Court in Jerusalem to examine the legality of the government’s decision to shutter Army Radio on Wednesday January 28, 2026.
An illustrative image of a reporter for Army Radio (Galei Tzahal) taken in 2019.

Shutdown of Army Radio is 'political move,' lawmakers warn panel ahead of High Court hearing

An Israeli soldier serving at Army Radio holds a microphone in Jerusalem, December 22, 2025 (Illustrative).

Ahead of High Court hearing, legal advisory warns closure of Army Radio threatens press freedom

An Israeli soldier holds an Army Radio microphone in Jerusalem, December 22, 2025

As High Court review nears, state defends decision to shutter Army Radio


Army Radio presenters say contracts frozen as High Court orders state response on closure

The Defense Ministry denied the claim, saying no instruction had been issued to terminate consultant contracts at the station and that contracts would be extended until February 28, 2026

An illustrative image of a reporter for Army Radio (Galei Tzahal) taken in 2019.

Israel's Supreme Court to hear petitions against Army Radio's closure in January

By the time the High Court hearing takes place in late January, elements of the dismantling process may already be underway.

An Israeli soldier holds an Army Radio microphone in Jerusalem, December 22, 2025

Israel's Army Radio was an exception to the global military broadcasting standard - comment

Many democracies do have military broadcasting, but it is typically aimed at serving troops, often overseas, not operating as a mainstream competitor in the domestic news ecosystem.

An Israeli soldier serving at Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) holds a microphone in Jerusalem, December 22, 2025.

Israeli gov't approves Army Radio shutdown, commander vows to fight closure

Army Radio commander Tal Lev-Ram has said that he would fight the closure, which Defense Minister Israel Katz has pushed for, before the High Court of Justice.

An illustrative image of a reporter for Army Radio (Galei Tzahal) taken in 2019.

Army Radio closure would restrict freedom of expression in Israel, attorney-general warns

Should the government's decision pass, Army Radio, which has been broadcasting for 75 years, would cease its operations at the very latest by March 1. 

 ATTORNEY-GENERAL Gali Baharav-Miara.

Oct. 7 probe, Army Radio: Israeli government tests limits of its executive power - analysis

The Ministerial Committee for Legislation will debate a bill on an inquiry on October 7, while the cabinet will decide on the closure of Army Radio on Monday.

People attend a protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, on December 20, 2025

Katz says gov't will approve shutdown of Army Radio today after 75 years of broadcasting

Defense Minister Israel Katz said he will seek government approval to close Army Radio (Galei Tzahal), a controversial decision opposed by the Israel Press Council.

Defense Minister Israel Katz over a backdrop of Army Radio building.

Israel's cabinet to vote on Army Radio closure proposal on Sunday

Defense Minister Israel Katz argued that the station’s original purpose as a platform serving IDF soldiers and their families has been overshadowed by political content.

 View of the IDF's Army Radio station headquarters in Jaffa, November 12, 2025

Israeli gov't to vote on Army Radio shutdown later this month, Defense Minister Israel Katz says

Defense Minister Katz proposes closing Army Radio after 75 years, citing its shift from military service. The plan sparks legal challenges and raises concerns over press freedom.

 View of the IDF's Army Radio station headquarters in Jaffa, November 12, 2025