According to Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) officials, hundreds of thousands of listeners cannot tune in to its ‘Galgalatz’ affiliated channel in the Jerusalem area because pirate stations operating in PA (Palestinian Authority) controlled Ramallah are interfering with the signal. Galgalatz changed its broadcasting frequency last January from 93.9 FM to 107 FM, a move compelled by the ongoing pirate PA broadcasts. The officials explain there are dozens of illegal stations broadcasting from Ramallah and Beit Lechem.

Jerusalem Councilman (Hisorarus Yerushalayim) Elad Malka reports receiving dozens of complaints from residents citing the station cannot be tuned in due to constant interference. He took the matter to Galei Tzahal chief Yaron Dekel.

While the new station (107 FM) is far better than its predecessor, it has not entirely resolved the program as the interference continues. It appears the IDF has yet to receive authorization to take the appropriate action to block the interfering signals, which come from pirate PA stations. Such authorization would have to come from the Ministry of Communications and the IDF’s Coordinator of Activities in Yehuda & Shomron.

The office of the IDF’s coordinator of activities reports the matter is known and is in the process of being addressed.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)