IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eizenkott is calling for the demilitarization of Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), the left-wing IDF-affiliated radio station. The IDF chief feels the military does not require a communications station.

Eizenkott’s words anger many, especially coming on the heels of a statement last week by Minister of Sport & Culture (Likud) Miri Regev, who called for shutting the Galei Tzahal musical affiliate, Galgalatz.

Eizenkott feels the IDF must be accessible to the media but is should not run a radio station. The IDF chief does not feel the station has to be closed, but it should be moved out of IDF jurisdiction and responsibility. The station has a military operating budget of NIS 20 million annually and with Eizenkott faced with having to cut many units, it is easy to understand why he does not view Galei Tzahal as a priority.

As one might expect, the left-wing media and its personalities are up in arms over the thought of removing Galei Tzahal from under IDF auspices.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)