Union of Journalists to petition High Court over government decision to close Army Radio

Stav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel

A soldier serving at Army Radio holds a microphone in Jerusalem, December 22, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
A soldier serving at Army Radio holds a microphone in Jerusalem, December 22, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

The Union of Journalists in Israel says it will petition the High Court of Justice against the government’s decision to shut down Army Radio, arguing the move constitutes a severe violation of freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

In a statement following the cabinet’s unanimous approval of Defense Minister Israel Katz’s proposal to close the IDF-run station by March 2026, the organization says the decision is “unreasonable and disproportionate” and undermines the foundations of democracy and the rule of law.

The union also argues that the cabinet lacks the authority to intervene in matters regarding the station, saying responsibility for Army Radio rests with the Knesset, as part of Israel’s public broadcasting framework.

According to the Union of Journalists, Army Radio’s news programming is “an integral part of public broadcasting,” as established under the Public Broadcasting Law and Supreme Court rulings, and therefore cannot be terminated by a government decision alone.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.