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High Court Questions Legitimacy of Army Radio Closure Process
WATCH: High Court presses state over Galatz closure committee’s prior statements
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The High Court of Justice in Israel is reviewing petitions against the government's decision to close Army Radio (Galatz), focusing on prior statements by the advisory committee appointed by Defense Minister Israel Katz. The court is examining whether these statements influenced the closure recommendation and if the process adhered to legal standards.
- 01The advisory committee, appointed by Defense Minister Israel Katz in 2025, recommended closing Army Radio's news division or the entire station.
- 02The government approved the closure on December 22, 2025, with an interim court order freezing the decision until petitions are heard.
- 03Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara argues that Galatz has become part of Israel's public broadcasting landscape, reaching nearly one million listeners daily.
- 04Petitioners claim the committee's conclusions were biased due to prior public statements against Galatz by some members.
- 05The court has mandated the government to clarify how the closure decision was made and whether it complied with required administrative standards.
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The High Court of Justice in Israel convened to address petitions challenging the government's decision to close Army Radio (Galatz). The hearing focused on statements made by members of the advisory committee appointed by Defense Minister Israel Katz, questioning whether their prior views against the station influenced the closure recommendation. Katz's committee suggested either shutting down Galatz's news division or the entire station, leading to a government decision on December 22, 2025, to close it within two months. This decision is currently on hold due to an interim court order. Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara contended that after over 75 years on air, Galatz has integrated into Israel's public broadcasting landscape, serving nearly one million listeners daily. The petitioners argue that previous recommendations favored reforms over closure, and they assert that the decision lacks proper consultation and legal justification. The court is demanding clarity on the decision-making process and the neutrality of the committee involved.
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The closure of Army Radio could significantly alter the media landscape in Israel, affecting public access to news and current affairs.
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