High Court petition: Closure of Army Radio part of effort ‘to harm media outlets considered critical of government’

The Movement for Quality Government in Israel files a petition to the High Court of Justice against the government’s approval of a resolution shutting Army Radio, a public broadcaster.

The liberal government watchdog group argues that the decision was made on the basis of “ulterior motives” and based on an erroneous factual basis, and in a manner likely to harm freedom of expression and the press, and therefore the public interest more broadly.

The organization also argues that since Army Radio’s operations are anchored in law, it requires legislation, not a cabinet resolution, to shutter the station.

Movement for Quality Government also claims that the decision to close Army Radio was made “to harm media outlets seen as critical of the government” and to “economically benefit the owners of media outlets close to the government.”

The petition includes a request for an interim order freezing implementation of the cabinet resolution until the High Court rules on the issue.

“Closing Army Radio will cause real and disproportionate harm to freedom of expression and the free press, and will cause significant damage to the media market in Israel,” says Uri Hess, an attorney with Movement for Quality Government.

“Such a decision requires the approval of the Knesset, and cannot be made solely on the government’s advice.”