Netanyahu Threatens Action After Sudden Strike Causes Chaos at Ben Gurion Airport

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning following a sudden strike and severe disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday. He declared that the airport would continue operating normally and stated, "Whoever stands in the way will be sent home." The strike led to the closure of check-in counters and significant delays in passenger and baggage handling, causing chaos at one of the busiest travel days of the year, with nearly 100,000 passengers and around 600 flights daily.

The airport was temporarily closed at 14:00 but gradually resumed landings and takeoffs from 15:00 after flight schedules were reorganized. The strike involved ground service workers from four companies halting passenger services, resulting in hours-long waits for luggage and overcrowding around baggage carousels. Passenger Zohar Shnur described the scene as thousands of people waiting, including elderly passengers sitting on the floor, with some waiting up to four hours for their bags.

Transport Minister Merav Michaeli, on vacation in Morocco, instructed the Airports Authority management to file a complaint with the Labor Court against the workers' union, calling the strike "bullying" and warning that those holding Israeli citizens hostage would pay a price. Minister Bezalel Smotrich also condemned the unions, accusing them of holding the public hostage and calling for the dismantling of anarchic organizations.

The Transport Workers Union denied ordering a work stoppage, attributing the chaos to severe and ongoing staff shortages and inadequate preparation for summer travel surges. Conversely, the Airports Authority claimed the disruptions were directed by the workers' union. The strike has sparked sharp criticism of Pinchas Idan, chairman of the Airports Authority workers' union and a Likud Central Committee member, for the disruption affecting thousands of travelers.