High Court of Justice strikes down government order to close Army Radio

Israel's High Court of Justice has delivered a significant ruling, striking down the government's decision to shut down Army Radio, an institution that has been broadcasting for 75 years. The court's decision was unanimous, with justices ruling that the government's basis for closure was founded on "improper and invalid considerations."

The government had initially approved the closure of Army Radio in December 2025, with the shutdown slated to commence on March 1, 2026. However, the court intervened after petitions were filed by the Academy for a Democratic Israel and the Union of Journalists in Israel, leading to a delay in the closure and a thorough review of the government's decision.

The ruling marks a victory for press freedom advocates and those who argued against the closure of the long-standing radio station. The court's intervention highlights its role in scrutinizing government decisions and ensuring they are based on sound and legitimate reasoning.