Founded in 1950, Galei Tsahal is renowned for its flagship news programmes, which have been followed for decades, including by foreign correspondents.

According to a government survey of audiences, it is Israel's third most listened-to station, with a market share of 17.7 percent.

"The government unanimously approved the proposal put forward by Defence Minister Israel Katz to shut down the military radio station Galei Tsahal," Katz's office said in a statement, adding that the closure would take effect before March 1, 2026.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had urged his ministers to back Katz's proposal, according to the statement.

"There have long been recurring proposals to remove Galei Tsahal from the military framework, abolish it, or privatise it," the statement quoted Netanyahu as saying.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who also serves as the government's legal adviser is currently facing dismissal proceedings initiated by the premier, said the decision "raises concerns about possible political interference in public broadcasting".

She added that it "poses questions regarding an infringement on freedom of expression and of the press".

Her office stated that closing the station would require a vote in parliament.

The government's decision "does not meet the required legal criteria and cannot be advanced in its current form", according to a 34-page document prepared by her office and seen by AFP.

Some of the programmes broadcast on the radio station have been critical of the government's policies.

Katz justified the decision by arguing that Galei Tsahal "broadcasts political and divisive content that does not align with the values" of the military.

"Over the past two years, throughout the war, many soldiers and citizens, including bereaved families, have repeatedly complained that they feel the station does not represent them, and that it even undermines the war effort and morale," Katz said.

"A situation in which a radio station intended for all citizens of the State of Israel is operated by the military is an anomaly that does not exist in democratic countries," Katz said.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned the shutdown on X, saying it "is part of the government's effort to suppress freedom of expression in Israel during an election period."

"They cannot control reality, so they try to control minds," Lapid added.

Israel will hold a parliamentary election in 2026 and Netanyahu has announced that he would seek a new term in the office of prime minister.

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