Arutz 7

Arutz 7 has stopped broadcasting on the radio in Israel. This sad situation comes from the fact that A7 has had to operate illegally for 15 years. The article, as expected, focuses on the anti-Right sentiment that caused the station to be shut down. But the issue seems more basic - why can't anyone get a radio permit? It's not just the right - the article mentios Abie Natan, who ran a left-wing pirate radio station off a ship. It is ridiculous for Israel to restrict radio to government-owned stations. Of course the public is going to want more than that.

Please post in the comments if you can shed some light on the broadcasting laws in Israel, and why Arutz 7 can't become legal.

Update: David Wilder of Hebron has started an online petition to reopen Arutz 7.

Another Update: JPost editorial on the issue.