Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Wednesday that he plans to submit a proposal to close the publicly funded Army Radio, describing the move as necessary to maintain the military's nonpartisan character.

In a statement, Katz said the station—editorially independent and staffed by both soldiers and civilians—has aired numerous opinions critical of the military and its personnel. "I will soon submit the proposal to the government," he said, anticipating swift approval from the right-wing coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Tal Lev Ram, Army Radio's chief, condemned the announcement as "unexpected" and not based on professional considerations for soldiers' interests. "We see this as a real, regrettable, and dramatic blow to the people's army, to Israeli society, and to freedom of the press in a democratic state," Lev Ram said. He vowed to "fight this grave decision by every means."

Army Radio is one of two state-funded news outlets in Israel, alongside the public broadcaster KAN, which operates television and multiple radio stations. Netanyahu's government has repeatedly criticized both for alleged bias against state institutions. Efforts to privatize KAN have faced similar accusations of targeting critical coverage.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid took to X to denounce the plan, calling it the work of "an anxious government that fears criticism" and an attempt to "change the rules of the game" before next year's election.

It remains unclear when the full proposal will reach the cabinet. Recent polls indicate Netanyahu's coalition—the most right-wing in Israel's history—would fall short of a majority if elections were held today. (ILKHA)