Katz said to push Army Radio closure toward cabinet vote as station head slams review panel

Defense Minister Israel Katz has informed the attorney general that he intends to bring the proposal to shut down Army Radio for government approval within the next two weeks, Hebrew media reports.

Katz is reportedly awaiting the attorney general’s legal opinion and has made clear that he expects to receive it without delay, no later than mid-month, due to what he reportedly describes as a tight schedule.

The development comes as Army Radio head Tal Lev Ram reportedly sent a sharply worded letter to the attorney general criticizing the committee examining the station’s future, alleging significant “flaws” in its work.

According to Hebrew media reports, Lev Ram says the committee concluded — without solid evidence — that the station is politically biased, relying on an employee’s claim that “35 percent of staff identify with right-wing positions and 65% with left-wing positions” — a figure Lev Ram calls “ridiculous” and impossible to verify.

Lev Ram also accuses the committee of pre-determining its conclusions, including claims that current affairs broadcasts “harm soldiers,” and of offering no practical solutions or consideration of the implications of its recommendations.

Last month, Katz announced that he intends to close Army Radio by March 1, 2026, preserving its apolitical sister station Galgalatz for continued operation and establishing a professional team to oversee the closure.

Katz’s plan, which follows years of similar proposals from past defense ministers, is expected to face legal challenges. Lev Ram has vowed to oppose the closure.