Airport Authority Accuses Minister Golan of Misusing Privileges

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) has accused Minister Mai Golan of a "blatant violation" of security procedures at Ben Gurion Airport earlier this week. According to the IAA, Golan entered the airport with her mother, Rimona, before her flight to the Czech Republic, utilizing her ministerial exemption without her mother undergoing security screening. The two were documented in an El Al lounge, where they were seen having lunch until the minister boarded her flight.

The IAA stated that the exemption is strictly for ministers and their aides and does not permit the entry of unauthorized family members. "If an unauthorized person enters with the minister's vehicle, it constitutes a misuse of the exemption and a blatant violation of procedures," the authority declared. They added that they had no authority over the El Al lounge itself, which is operated solely by the airline.

Reports indicate that on the way to the airport, Golan spoke with a senior official at the IAA, a Likud party member, about the possibility of her mother entering the airport. While the official confirmed the conversation, he denied assisting in any violation of procedures. The IAA claims Golan did not report that her mother would be entering with her.

This incident follows previous controversies involving the minister and her family. In September 2025, her mother, Rimona Golan, was investigated on suspicion of fraud related to her involvement in the "Hebrew City" association, where Mai Golan previously served as CEO. At that time, it was alleged that the minister had helped her mother evade questioning, a claim the minister dismissed as a "political investigation."