Israel Extends Broadcaster Closure Order and Approves Army Radio Shutdown
Extension of Broadcaster Closure Order
Israel's parliament has extended an order allowing the government to shut down foreign broadcasters operating within the country. This legislation permits the government to cease operations of a foreign outlet for the next two years, even during peacetime and without requiring a court order.
The legislation, passed by a vote of 22 to 10, expands temporary powers initially introduced during the Gaza conflict. These powers were previously utilized in May 2024 to close the offices of Al Jazeera and block its broadcasts. Al Jazeera subsequently closed its office in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, in September 2024.
Allegations and Responses Regarding Al Jazeera
Israel accused Al Jazeera of anti-Israel bias and of supporting Hamas in its coverage. Al Jazeera denied these accusations and condemned Israel's actions, characterizing them as an attack on press freedom.
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) stated that the temporary order infringed upon freedom of expression, the right to information, and press freedom. ACRI also noted that it restricts citizens' access to diverse information not aligned with the Israeli narrative or broadcast on Israeli media channels.
Decision to Shut Down Army Radio
Hours after the legislation extending the broadcaster order was passed, the Israeli cabinet approved a plan to shut down Army Radio, also known as Galei Tzahal (GLZ).
Army Radio is a state-funded station operated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) but maintains editorial independence. Under the plan proposed by Defence Minister Israel Katz, the station is scheduled to cease operations by March 1, 2026.
Katz stated that Army Radio, which employs both active duty soldiers and civilians, "no longer serves as a mouthpiece and ear for soldiers and broadcasts political and divisive content that is not in line with IDF values."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented during the cabinet meeting that a station broadcasting under the authority of the military is highly unusual, citing North Korea as an example.
Reactions to Army Radio Decision
The Union of Journalists and Journalists' Organisations announced plans to petition the High Court of Justice against the decision. They described the move as an infringement on freedom of expression and press freedom.
The Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) think tank stated that shutting Army Radio constitutes a violation of freedom of expression and removes a portion of Israel's independent public radio news broadcasts. IDI also noted the decision as part of a broader pattern affecting Israeli democracy.