Senior Likud Official Criticizes Netanyahu Over Pinhas Idan Airport Workers' Union Controversy

A senior Likud official sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Haim Katz over the ongoing controversy involving Pinhas Idan, chairman of the Airport Authority workers' union. The official accused Netanyahu of weakness for conceding to the union during a previous shutdown amid reform efforts and for allowing Idan to remain in his position despite the disruption. This, the official argued, set a precedent that emboldened Idan to threaten another shutdown at Ben Gurion Airport.

The official described Netanyahu's actions as creating a "slippery slope" of weakness, citing his concession to the Aerospace Industry union and the appointment of Haim Katz, who allegedly supports his associate Eti Atiya. The official claimed that Netanyahu's threats to dismiss Idan were empty and called for actual removal of the union chairman. Additionally, the official criticized the silence of Likud Knesset members on the matter.

The controversy centers on Idan's repeated shutdowns of Ben Gurion Airport, which have caused significant disruption. The senior Likud figure's comments highlight internal party frustration with Netanyahu's handling of labor disputes and union influence within strategic sectors. The official's remarks were made public on Thursday, intensifying pressure on Netanyahu to take decisive action against Idan and his union.