Transportation Minister Threatens Dismissals Over Illegal Work Abandonment Amid Ben Gurion Airport Chaos

The conflict over operational disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport has escalated, with Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli warning that employees who illegally abandon their posts will be summoned for hearings and face dismissal. The turmoil occurred on a day when over 100,000 passengers were expected to pass through the airport, causing check-in halts, baggage delays, and flight schedule changes.

The Transportation Workers Union denies any strike or work stoppage, attributing the chaos to a severe and ongoing staff shortage. They claim that warnings about summer peak period preparations were repeatedly sent to both the Israel Airports Authority management and the Ministry of Transportation.

Ministry officials have stated that if the union's claims are verified and the disruptions are due to understaffing rather than illegal work abandonment, responsibility will shift to the Israel Airports Authority and Ben Gurion Airport management. This marks a shift from initial accusations against workers to scrutiny of operational preparedness.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also weighed in, stating, "Whoever stands in the way will be sent home." Meanwhile, airport operations are expected to gradually resume from 3 p.m., with passengers advised to monitor flight updates closely.

The Transportation Ministry has already filed a complaint with the Labor Court regarding the incident, underscoring the seriousness of the situation and the government's stance on unauthorized work disruptions.