Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the complete shutdown of Galei Tzahal, commonly known as Israeli Army Radio, with its final broadcast scheduled no later than March 1, 2026. The state-funded, nationwide radio network—operated by the Israel Defense Forces—has been on the air for more than 75 years, broadcasting in both Hebrew and English since its first transmission on September 24, 1950.

The decision follows years of criticism from both the political left and right in Israel, each accusing Galei Tzahal of partisan bias. The current government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone further, alleging that the station has publicly criticized the military and undermined the government’s handling of the war in Gaza.