Defense Minister Bnei Gantz Announced today (Thursday) that it has decided on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff, Major General Kochavi Spring According to him, the decision stems from the IDF’s mission, as well as the need to separate the service of IDF soldiers from the activities of the media in which uniformed people are employed in political content.
Defense Minister Bnei Gantz from the cabinet meeting
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 unreasonable at this time. I have determined that uniformed personnel will not engage in politics in any position, this is an unacceptable thing that contradicts IDF values, the required integrity and proper conduct. A“I cherish 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.”
The decision was made after preliminary discussions held in the IDF and the Ministry of Defense, and due to the desire to sever the defense system and the IDF from the operation of an independent radio station, Ganz decided to initiate a move aimed at removing IDF waves from the defense system.
In the coming days, an inter-ministerial professional team will be set up, 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. In a civilian format or its closure.
Chief of Staff Kochavi on tour in the north (Photo: IDF Spokesman)
As you may recall, last June it was reported that Kochavi demanded that Mantz take responsibility for the IDF waves, separate the station from the army, close it or to a civilian – but not leave it under IDF authority in its current format. According to the publication, the chief of staff said in several forums that he finds himself too busy talking about issues concerning the station, and asks Magnz to find a way to put an end to it.