Israeli defence minister to shut down Army Radio amid bias allegations

"In recent years, particularly during the war, many soldiers and civilians – including bereaved families – have repeatedly complained that the station does not represent them and even harms the war effort and morale.

"Worse still, our enemies interpret these messages as if they are being conveyed by the IDF itself.”

Army Radio has previously come under fire from government ministers over perceived politicisation.

Earlier this year, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi called for the station to be shut down following criticism from Prime Minister Netanyahu over impartiality, with Karhi claiming it had become a “political stronghold”.

However, the move has been strongly opposed by several organisations representing Israeli journalists.

The Union of Journalists in Israel has labelled the announcement a “bad decision”, adding: “Israel Katz will not close any media outlet in the State of Israel.”

And, taking an even stronger line, the Israel Press Council has claimed that Katz does not have the legal authority to shut down the outlet without a Knesset vote as it was established by primary legislation.

Labelling the attempted closure “illegitimate and illegal”, it said: “The Israel Press Council will act in every way to prevent the closure of the station, protect freedom of the press, the diversity of the media, and the right of the public to know.”

As for Army Radio itself, its director, Tal Lev Ram, has alleged that Katz’s decision is based on a report from an internal Defence Ministry committee, appointed by the minister, which submitted its findings last month.

Ram claimed: “This comes after numerous flaws were found in the committee’s work, including conflicts of interest, a premeditated and biased selection of its members, and multiple manipulations in the presentation of the information submitted [a claim the ministry refutes].”

"We view this as a real, unfortunate, and dramatic blow to the people’s army, Israeli society, and the freedom of the press in a democratic state,” he went on.

"I intend to fight this harsh decision by all possible means. I am proud of the station’s work, especially over the past two years during an ongoing war, and I am convinced that the station will continue to exist for many years to come...we will not allow the soldiers’ home to be closed.”