Israeli Supreme Court suspends Netanyahu government's decision to shut down military radio station

The Israeli Supreme Court on Sunday suspended Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to shut down the military radio station Galei Tzahal, ruling that such a measure requires prior approval from the assembly. The suspension followed a petition filed by the government's legal adviser, Gali Baharav-Miara.

Supreme Court President Isaac Amit justified this order by noting that the government had not clearly ensured that no irreversible action would be taken before the conclusion of the legal proceedings.

The closure of Galei Tzahal is part of a broader initiative by Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition to reform Israel’s media landscape, including changes to the operation of public television channels and radio stations, as well as the broadcasting of international media in Israel.

Last week, the government approved the closing of the station despite opposition from the legal adviser, who warned against “political interference” in public broadcasting and infringements on press freedom.

In her legal opinion, Bahrav-Miara said the decision did not meet the required legal standards and would cause “significant and irreversible” harm.

Reactions to the suspension were mixed. Lawyers representing the military radio station’s employees, as well as the journalists' union, welcomed the suspension, highlighting the importance of press freedom and freedom of expression.

However, Defense Minister Israel Katz, together with the government, filed a joint response opposing a request for a provisional injunction submitted by the station’s employees. He accused the union of submitting false opinions in order to mislead the court.

During a public conference last week, Katz claimed that the military radio station “supports the enemy” and “gives a platform to Hamas members.”

La Cour suprême israélienne suspend la décision du gouvernement Netanyahu de fermer la radio militaire