Defense Minister Slams President Herzog’s Criticism on Closing Military Radio: ‘Let Him Establish His Own Station’

Jerusalem, 13 November, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Minister of Defense Thursday evening opened a war of words with his country’s President, Isaac Herzog, with harsh words over Herzog’s earlier criticism of the government’s plan to close the IDF’s (Israel Defense Forces) radio station “Galei Tzahal (Waves of the IDF).”

“If the president is a fan of radio stations he can establish one in the president’s residence,” said Katz, who recently announced plans to soon shutter the radio station, citing concerns that it had become politicized with a great deal of content criticizing the government during the war in Gaza.

“The Israeli government alone will make the decisions, within its authority, regarding the closure of Galei Tzahal,” he added.

In his remarks at an event marking the 25th anniversary of the Yamin Ord Preparatory School, the President of the State referred to the Minister of Defense’s decision to close the Galei Tzahal radio station saying, “In a period of political and social polarization, and of struggles over the image of Israeli democracy, the move to completely close a long-standing public media outlet in Israel is of great concern, and rightly so.”

There is no doubt and no dispute that the very existence of a military-public radio station in a liberal democracy is exceptional and worthy of examination, as well as change and improvement. However, we must remember – when a media outlet – and especially a public media outlet – is closed, not just a channel is closed, but a window to the public. Galei Tzahal not only broadcasts news, it has accompanied the country and the IDF for decades, and constitutes a significant part of our shared story.

In Israel the Presidency is a ceremonial role and the government makes the political decisions.