Katz orders closure of 'Israeli' Army Radio, citing concerns over "war morale"

'Israel’s' Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced that he will shut down the IOF-controlled Army Radio, ordering broadcasts to cease by March 1, 2026.

Katz cited complaints that the station “harms the war effort and morale” and argued that operating a civilian-style broadcaster within the military is “an anomaly unheard of in any democratic country.”

Katz said he would present the proposal to the government for approval and form a professional team within the Defense Ministry to oversee the closure, ensure fair termination arrangements for civilian employees, and preserve the civilian music station Galgalatz.

In a statement, Katz declared: “Army Radio was established by the Israeli government as a military station to serve as a voice and ear for IDF soldiers and their families, not as a platform for opinions, many of which attack the IDF and its soldiers.”

He added that many soldiers and civilians, including bereaved families, have complained the station no longer represents them and could negatively affect morale. Katz also argued that adversaries might interpret some broadcasts as official IOF messages.

Army Radio head vows to fight closure

Tal Lev Ram, head of Army Radio, said he was surprised by the decision and would oppose it. “We received the defense minister’s announcement with complete surprise, without being given the opportunity to respond to the report submitted by the committee,” he said.

Lev Ram criticized the committee’s process, citing conflicts of interest, biased selection of members, and manipulated information. He called the decision to shut the station “a real, unfortunate, and dramatic blow to the people’s army, Israeli society, and the freedom of the press in a democratic state.”

“I intend to fight this harsh decision by all possible means. I am proud of the station’s work, especially over the past two years during an ongoing war, and I am convinced that the station will continue to exist for many years to come. We will not allow the soldiers’ home to be closed,” he said.

A long-standing controversy

The closure marks a turning point in a debate that has lasted years. In September 2023, then-defense minister Yoav Gallant halted plans to privatize or close the station, pledging reforms instead.

In March 2025, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, called for the station’s closure, arguing it had strayed from its purpose as a morale-building outlet and become “a political stronghold.”

Successive governments and IOF chiefs have long debated whether Army Radio should remain under military control, be transferred to civilian oversight, or be closed entirely.