The move was made due to a desire to sever the defense system and the IDF from the activities of an independent radio station. • Ganz: "I have determined that uniformed people will not engage in politics in any position" • He said, Commitment and proper conduct "
The station building in Jaffa
Photography:
Joshua Joseph - Archive
Defense Minister Bnei Gantz decided today (Thursday), on the recommendation of Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, to initiate a move aimed at removing IDF waves from the defense establishment.
This was after preliminary discussions in the IDF and the Ministry of Defense, To the operation of an independent radio station.
The Defense Ministry statement said that "the decision stems from the IDF's mission, as well as the need to separate the service of soldiers from the activities of the media, where uniformed personnel are employed in political content."
In the coming days, an inter-ministerial professional team will be established, headed by the Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Eshel, which will include representatives from the Ministry of Defense, the IDF, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Communications.
The team will formulate an outline within a few weeks for removing the station from the defense system, and operating it in a civilian format or closing it.
Ganz said: "The decision I made on the recommendation of the chief of staff is a matter of values and not a budget.
Free media in Israel is extremely important, and I will continue to defend it and ensure its independence, but the existence of a military station in the IDF is unlikely at this time. I have determined that uniformed people will not engage in politics in any position. The obligatory integrity and proper conduct.
I appreciate the GLC and its contribution to the Israeli media, and to the variety of opinions and voices in the media, and it would be right to find another channel for its continued activity. "