Defense Minister Israel Katz said Thursday evening he 'completely disagrees' with the High Court ruling that annulled the government's decision to close IDF radio station Galei Tzahal, vowing to complete the closure after the next elections if his party secures a renewed mandate, according to Israel Hayom.
Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a sharp response Thursday evening to the High Court of Justice's ruling annulling the government's decision to close IDF radio station Galei Tzahal (Army Radio). In a statement reported by Israel Hayom journalist Ariel Kahana, Katz said he 'completely disagrees' with the ruling, which invalidated the government directive on grounds that it was based on 'extraneous and invalid considerations.'
Katz noted that the High Court itself determined the government was authorized to make the closure decision and rejected the argument that primary legislation was required. 'When we win the elections, God willing, and regain public trust — we will complete the handling of the matter,' Katz said.
The statement came just minutes after the High Court published its ruling at 19:24 Jerusalem time, annulling the government's August 3 decision to shut down the 75-year-old military broadcaster. The ruling was written by Justice Kasher, who found the decision was motivated by political discontent with the station's editorial line rather than proper administrative considerations.
Katz's vow to revisit the closure after the next election signals the government's continued opposition to the court's intervention, though no timeline for such legislation has been set. The next general election is not currently scheduled.
3 developments
- DevelopingHigh Court strikes down Israeli gov't decision to close Army Radio
- DevelopingRight-wing commentators accuse Defense Minister Katz of failures, deception
- StrongNoam Amir: High Court's Galei Tzahal ruling signals 'they will not close Channel 14'
- DevelopingKatz: IDF has full backing, freedom of action against all threats in Lebanon, Gaza
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