Israeli Ministers Condemn Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Army Radio Closure

The Israeli Supreme Court unanimously overturned the government’s decision to shut down the military radio station Galei Tzahal (Galatz), sparking sharp criticism from coalition ministers on Thursday evening. The court ruled the decision was based on improper considerations, specifically dissatisfaction with the station’s content, but affirmed the government’s authority to close Galatz if done lawfully and on substantive grounds.

Defense Minister Israel Katz, who led the closure initiative, rejected the ruling, accusing the court of substituting its judgment for that of the government. Katz emphasized that the government unanimously agreed there was no place for a politically charged civilian radio station within the military. He vowed to complete the closure if the government regains public trust after upcoming elections.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir condemned the court’s decision as a "coup against democracy," accusing the Supreme Court of stripping a democratically elected government of its legal powers. He challenged the judges to form a political party if they wished to govern. Ben-Gvir linked the ruling to his party’s demands for a comprehensive judicial reform, including establishing a constitutional court and removing the government’s legal adviser.

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi went further, calling on the government to defy the court ruling and proceed with the closure immediately. He criticized the Knesset Speaker for ignoring a request by 25 lawmakers to uphold parliamentary laws despite Supreme Court decisions, warning that failure to resist judicial overreach risks public disillusionment with democracy.

Likud MK and Constitution Committee Chair Simcha Rothman also attacked the ruling, accusing the court of continuing its "war against democracy" by politicizing the decision. He argued that military radio should not exist in a democracy regardless of political leanings and called for new judges who understand that the people are sovereign, especially when electing a right-wing government. Avi Maoz, head of the Noam party, supported ending both the Supreme Court’s influence and Galatz’s broadcasts.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between Israel’s judiciary and right-wing government factions over the role of the courts and media in the democratic system. The government has indicated it may revisit the issue after the next elections.