Calling the arrangement a democratic "anomaly," Defense Minister Israel Katz secured unanimous cabinet
By Sammy,
Calling the arrangement a democratic "anomaly," Defense Minister Israel Katz secured unanimous cabinet approval to shut down Army Radio, with broadcasts scheduled to end by March 1, 2026, according to the Defense Ministry. Katz argued that a radio station serving the general public should not be operated by the military, warning that its political and current-affairs content forces the IDF into political debate against its will. This, he said, creates a "fundamental difficulty" that "harms the IDF, its soldiers and its unity," adding that these tensions became "even more acute" after October 7. He cited repeated complaints from soldiers, civilians, and bereaved families who said the station does not represent them and has at times damaged morale.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the move, arguing that a military-run broadcaster is highly unusual in democratic countries. "A military station broadcasting under the authority of the army... exists in North Korea and maybe a few other countries," he told ministers, adding that Israel should not be counted among them. Netanyahu said he has long been open to proposals to abolish or privatize the station and stressed his belief in media competition, concluding that "the time has come, and better sooner rather than later." Army Radio and press freedom organizations are expected to challenge the decision in court.
Topics: IDF, Israeli Politics
Reported by Sammy for Bernie News Network. See our editorial standards and corrections policy.