Israel Airports Authority Chief Condemns Strike as 'Bullying' and Vows Accountability

Yiftach Ron-Tal, chairman of the Israel Airports Authority, sharply criticized the workers' union strike at Ben Gurion Airport, calling it "bullying behavior" and promising that those responsible will be held accountable. The strike occurred on the busiest day of the year at the airport, with approximately 105,000 passengers expected. Ron-Tal described the unilateral work stoppage during a shift as unacceptable and said it caused significant disruption during the peak travel period.

Ron-Tal assured the public that the airport's operations would return to normal by midday the following day and pledged to take all necessary measures to prevent a recurrence. He emphasized that Israeli citizens had planned vacations and booked hotels, and that labor disputes should not be conducted at the expense of travelers. When asked about the union chairman, Pinchas Idan, Ron-Tal refrained from commenting directly on his potential removal but stated that the union's conduct was intolerable and that appropriate conclusions would be drawn once normal operations resumed.

Regarding the timing of the strike, which coincided with the transportation minister's absence abroad, Ron-Tal dismissed the timing as irrelevant, stressing that such actions are unacceptable at any time, especially during peak congestion. He concluded by apologizing to passengers for the inconvenience and reaffirmed the commitment to prevent similar disruptions in the future.