Israel Katz

Jewish worshippers hold daytime prayer at Joseph's Tomb for first time in 25 years

The service came following a decision by Defense Minister Israel Katz to expand entry hours to the site beyond nighttime visits.

Jewish worshippers pray during morning services at Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, West Bank, January 29, 2026
  The hearing in the Supreme Court in Jerusalem to examine the legality of the government’s decision to shutter Army Radio on Wednesday January 28, 2026.

Gov’t legitimacy, elections: High Court hears arguments on decision to shutter Army Radio

Tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

Israel plans large camp for Palestinians in southern Gaza, retired general says

An illustrative image of a reporter for Army Radio (Galei Tzahal) taken in 2019.

Shutdown of Army Radio is 'political move,' lawmakers warn panel ahead of High Court hearing


'Set up an Army Radio station at President’s Residence': Source close to Katz slams Herzog

"If the president is fond of radio stations, he can set one up at the President's Residence," a source close to Katz said, as reported by Israeli media. 

Defense Minister Israel Katz over a backdrop of Army Radio building.

Ending Army Radio is right choice, but Israel must protect media landscape - editorial

The question now is whether the closing of Army Radio marks the rational end of a long-outdated anomaly, or the first step toward a narrowing of Israel’s public-media space.

An illustrative image of a reporter for Army Radio (Galei Tzahal) taken in 2019.

Army Radio commander to fight Katz's closure of IDF station before High Court

Reactions to Katz's decision vary from A-G Baharav-Miara's concerns over "political interference in public broadcasting," to the Israel Press Council calling it “illegitimate and illegal”.

Israeli journalist Tal Lev Ram attends a conference on the Israeli army station "Galei Tzahal", in Tel Aviv on September 30, 2025.

Army Radio's shutdown is due to a Netanyahu government policy of intimidation - comment

For 75 years, Israel has considered journalism a legitimate way to serve the country, so what message is being sent to the public with its closure?

Defense Minister Israel Katz attends a state ceremony at Mount Herzl military cemetary, October 5, 2025.

Reforming Army Radio: A step in right direction - comment

Katz backs recommendations to rebrand Army Radio and end its news content. The station should serve soldiers, not be another platform for non-stop, often left-leaning, punditry.

A soldier broadcasts on Galei Tzahal, the IDF radio station

Army Radio: What is the pillar of Israeli journalism that Katz wants to shut down? - explainer

Operated by the IDF, Army Radio has long been considered one of Israel's most important and informative broadcasters and news outlets. But what is it, and why do some want to shut it down?

A soldier and civilian walk past Army Radio's headquarters in Jaffa, November 12, 2025.

Knesset members to convene emergency meeting against Katz's 'destructive' Army Radio closure

“The defense minister’s decision is an inseparable part of the assault on the free press. His words incite violence and put the employees of Army Radio at risk,” Kariv stated.

MKs Naama Lazimi, Gilad Kariv over a backdrop of Army Radio building.

Israel Katz's closure of Army Radio an 'attack on free press,' journalists and opposition say

"It would not be surprising if the station’s broadcasting frequencies are soon handed over to wealthy figures affiliated with the corrupt and degenerate Likud Party,” MK Gilad Kariv stated.

Defense Minister Israel Katz over a backdrop of Army Radio building.

Defense Minister Israel Katz moves to shut down IDF's Army Radio after 75 years of broadcasting

The defense minister also intends to establish a professional team within the Defense Ministry to oversee the implementation of the decision.

Israeli defense minister Yisrael Katz attends the state ceremony marking 52 years since the Yom Kippur War, held at the military cemetery at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl, on October 5, 2025.

'Kushner is Israel's acting PM': Liberman launches scathing attack on gov't

'Those bloodthirsty terrorists who killed IDF soldiers after the ceasefire have only two options, surrender or die.'

MK Avigdor Liberman attends a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset in Jerusalem, October 22, 2025.