Defense Minister Israel Katz confirms final decision to shut down Galei Tzahal by March 2026, citing professionalism, legality, and depoliticization.
In a landmark decision reshaping Israel’s media-military landscape, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the closure of Galei Tzahal (IDF Radio) will soon be brought to the cabinet for approval — stressing that the move is final and irreversible.
“Soldiers should serve in the IDF, not in a broadcasting station,” Katz declared on Wednesday. “I’ve carefully considered all aspects of this issue, and once I made my decision — there’s no turning back.”
Under Katz’s plan, the historic military station, long viewed as a unique Israeli institution, will cease broadcasting by March 1, 2026. The Defense Ministry’s implementation team is already being assembled to manage the shutdown process.
Katz clarified that his decision is legally sound, citing previous government opinions, including those from a former Attorney General, affirming that operating a civilian broadcasting outlet under the IDF’s command structure has no precedent in other democracies.
“There is no place for a civilian broadcasting station in the IDF — this does not exist in any democratic country in the world,” Katz said. “Galei Tzahal broadcasts political and divisive content that does not reflect IDF values or mission.”
The Defense Minister also rebuked critics — many of them former Chiefs of Staff and senior defense officials — who had previously supported shuttering the station but now oppose the move for “political convenience.”
“It’s astonishing to see people who once called for Galei Tzahal’s closure now attacking the decision for narrow partisan reasons,” he said. “The targeted attacks against me won’t change the outcome.”
While Galei Tzahal has played a celebrated role in Israel’s cultural and news ecosystem since 1950, critics have long argued that its editorial independence and civilian-style programming blurred the lines between military command and media freedom.
Katz’s decision is seen as part of a broader effort to streamline the IDF’s focus and separate media functions from the defense establishment, ensuring soldiers dedicate their service to operational and national security priorities.
As the decision moves to the cabinet for final approval, the Defense Minister made clear:
“The IDF’s mission is defense — not debate. Broadcasting is not soldiering. This decision is final, professional, and in Israel’s best interest.”
