Netanyahu Lacks Authority to Dismiss Airport Workers' Union Leader Amid Strike

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the dismissal of Pinchas Idan, chairman of the Airport Authority workers' union and a longtime Likud member, following a disruptive strike at Ben Gurion Airport during a busy summer day. However, Netanyahu does not have the sole authority to expel a central Likud member like Idan. According to the Likud party rules, only the party's disciplinary court can revoke membership. Idan can legally oppose, appeal, and challenge any such decision.

This is not the first time Idan has faced potential expulsion. In 2023, he led a strike at Ben Gurion Airport protesting judicial reforms, which angered Likud members who filed a petition to remove him for acting against the government and party values. Idan claimed he acted under the Histadrut labor union's instructions and believed the strike was coordinated with Netanyahu's office, a claim later denied. The Likud court ultimately did not expel him but criticized his actions.

The current situation highlights internal tensions within Likud, where Netanyahu wields significant political power but cannot unilaterally decide party membership. The party court has previously ruled against moves associated with Netanyahu, such as rejecting attempts to cancel primaries during security escalations. The recent strike caused major disruptions affecting tens of thousands of passengers and an estimated financial loss of 25-30 million shekels, according to the Finance Ministry. Publicly, Netanyahu appears to distance himself from Idan, despite having recently appeared with him and the Transportation Minister at a celebratory airport event.

The episode underscores the complex balance of power within Likud and the limits of Netanyahu's authority over party members amid ongoing labor disputes at a critical national infrastructure site.