Naftali Bennett Uses Ben Gurion Airport Strike for Political Gain Amid Left-Wing Split
A political rift has emerged within the Israeli left-wing bloc "The Change" following the recent strike at Ben Gurion Airport. Naftali Bennett, a prominent figure in the bloc, publicly criticized the strike and leveraged the ensuing chaos at the airport for his political campaign. Meanwhile, his political partner, Knesset member Naama Lazimi, expressed strong support for the airport workers' union chairman, Pinchas Idan, who led the strike.
Lazimi praised Idan's "courage" in opposing the political establishment, despite their differing party affiliations and political views. She condemned critics of Idan, including Bennett, accusing them of hypocrisy and suggesting that some politicians only support workers' rights when politically convenient. Lazimi warned that those expecting coalition members to protect the right to strike should reconsider.
The strike caused significant disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport during one of the busiest summer days, affecting nearly 100,000 passengers and around 600 flights. Check-in processes were halted, flights delayed, and heavy congestion ensued. The Israel Airports Authority claimed the disruptions were directed by the workers' union and considered legal action, while the union denied ordering a full shutdown, citing staffing shortages.
Following negotiations between Idan and airport management, operations resumed fully, with promises to increase staffing levels. The strike and its political fallout highlight tensions within the left-wing bloc, as some partners criticize the strike as a political maneuver, while others defend the workers' actions as a necessary stand against political interests.
Summary: Naftali Bennett criticized the Ben Gurion Airport strike and used it for political campaigning, while his left-wing partner Naama Lazimi defended the union leader Pinchas Idan, praising his courage amid political backlash. The strike caused major disruptions affecting thousands of passengers and flights, ending after negotiations restored airport operations.
