Galei Tzahal resumes MW 1287.
The original 1287 kHz transmitter somewhere around Tel Aviv has been closed around 2005. Keeping it was probably as impossible as in the case of the 1200 kW on 738 kHz that used to carry Arabic programming of Kol Israel. But this is a question for those with more detailed archives.
Replacement for the former facility was a transmission from the Yavne station (the one that was until 2013 active also on shortwave). Interestingly they did not use 1287 kHz again but now 945 kHz, the mediumwave frequency used by Voice of Hope from southern Lebanon (or Southern Lebanon or South Lebanon or Free Lebanon or whatever) until 2000. Would be interesting to hear how this worked in regard to ITU regulations – I would assume that this region was until 2000 considered as under Israelian sovereignty, although presumably those in Geneve would never confirm such an approach.
The use of 1287 kHz by Voice of Hope, started in 2017, ceased at yearend 2019 or very early in 2020. I suspect they would, when being asked about it, tell that the continued reference to “1287 AM” is merely part of the branding (and yes, I have an opinion about such a practice). At least in their latest circular they acknowledge that streaming and social media are the only remaining distribution platforms:
https://www.voiceofhope.com/vlog/20231108n-bts.html
The transmitter installed for Voice of Hope has been revealed by a photo as a Nautel NX-50. For 945 kHz from Yavne, closed around 2015, 100 kW had been listed. So mentions of 50 and 100 kW as current transmission powers are presumably speculations, drawn from the assumption that the equipment in use until ca. 2015 and 2019, respectively, has been reactivated as it was.
Kai Ludwig to WOR iog (2024-01-06)