Transportation Minister Miri Regev Accuses El Al of Political Blackmail Over Low-Cost Airlines

Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev launched a sharp attack against El Al Airlines on the morning of the Likud primaries, accusing the airline's workers' union of attempting to politically undermine her. In a 103FM interview on Tuesday, Regev claimed that El Al employees oppose her efforts to introduce low-cost carriers like Wizz Air to Israel, stating, "Unfortunately, they want to eliminate me." She revealed that El Al distributed a list to its union members urging them not to support her in the primaries, which she described as part of a campaign of threats and pressure.

Regev vowed not to yield, emphasizing her commitment to breaking El Al's monopoly and lowering flight prices for Israeli citizens. She criticized the union and El Al management for trying to influence her politically and expressed confidence that most Likud members support her agenda. Beyond El Al, Regev also criticized former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, questioning his leadership and political experience, and condemned former Likud members like Yuli Edelstein and Gilad Erdan for leaving the party and disparaging it.

Addressing internal party dynamics, Regev described the primary day as a "happy morning" of true democracy despite increased reserved spots on the Likud list, which she said were approved by party members and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She reaffirmed her and her colleagues' support for Netanyahu and downplayed the importance of list placement, noting the prime minister ultimately decides ministerial appointments.

Regev also responded to criticism over a digitally altered photo of Netanyahu she posted online, defending her use of artificial intelligence for campaign purposes and highlighting Netanyahu's recent praise of her work. When challenged on the controversial exemption from military service law, she acknowledged the failure to pass it but predicted Likud would win 35 seats and promised to address the issue in the next Knesset.

Toward the interview's end, Regev became emotional discussing her daughter Michal's recent engagement. Michal survived the October 7 Nova music festival massacre, which also claimed the life of her fiancé's friend. Regev reflected on the ongoing trauma faced by survivors and victims' families.

Summary: Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev accused El Al's union of political blackmail for opposing her push to introduce low-cost airlines, vowed to break El Al's monopoly, criticized political rivals, and expressed confidence in her Likud support ahead of the primaries. She also discussed internal party issues, defended her digital campaign tactics, and shared personal reflections on her daughter's survival of the October 7 massacre.