Netanyahu Orders Removal of Airport Workers' Union Head from Likud Over Ben Gurion Strike

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the Likud party to expel Pinchas Idan, chairman of the Airport Authority workers' union, following an illegal strike at Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday. The strike caused significant disruption to passengers and operations, including the closure of check-in counters and severe delays in baggage handling. The airport was closed at 2 p.m., with flights gradually resuming from 3 p.m. after a revised schedule was implemented. Full normal operations are expected only by nighttime. Netanyahu condemned the strike as unlawful and damaging to the public and economy, warning that Ben Gurion Airport would remain open and functional, and anyone obstructing this would be removed. The move to expel Idan, who is also a member of Likud's central committee, reflects strong criticism within Netanyahu's circle and the party over the strike's impact.