The Israeli army has announced that it would close an Arabic-language radio station broadcast for people residing in Lebanon and Syria, a report says.

The report by the Israeli Hebrew-language daily Ma’ariv said the reason behind the army’s decision is the sharp decrease of audience.

Security officials said the cut in security budget has not caused the army’s decision.

The radio station was launched after the Israeli army crossed into Lebanon in 1980s.

A panel formed last year in response to protests over the cost of living recommended that military spending be cut by 2.5 billion shekels.

Military officials, however, were circumspect about the changes, saying they might only receive extra funding for this year and that they expected cuts to be imposed later.

(Press TV)