Pinechas Idan Responds to Netanyahu's Decision to Expel Him from Likud Amid Ben Gurion Airport Strike Chaos

Pinechas Idan, chairman of the Airport Authority workers' committee, publicly responded to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to expel him from the Likud party. Idan asserted, "I was in Likud before Bibi and I will remain after Bibi," dismissing the significance of being a Likud central committee member. His full interview is scheduled to air on Kan 11's "Glick and Tamar" studio.

Idan highlighted the severe disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport the previous day, warning that without recruiting more workers, the airport could face similar crises during the upcoming holidays. The strike caused massive passenger delays, including a complete shutdown of check-in counters and temporary suspension of landings, with operations gradually resuming after flight schedules were reorganized.

The Airport Authority and the workers' committee exchanged accusations, with the authority condemning the strike's timing during peak summer travel, which affected tens of thousands of passengers. The workers' committee blamed a critical staffing shortage, which they claim they repeatedly warned management about.

Following the airport chaos, Netanyahu announced Idan's removal from Likud, citing the "wild and illegal strike" that harmed citizens and the economy. In a Radio Reshet Bet interview, Idan countered that the strike was declared by management, not the committee. He explained that the morning shift was supposed to end at 11 a.m., and the afternoon shift was scheduled for 1 p.m., but the committee requested an earlier start to prevent a strike. Idan emphasized that no flights were stopped by the workers.

He cautioned that if staffing issues are not resolved, the airport will not operate smoothly through August and the holiday season. The strike reportedly caused damages estimated at 30 million shekels, with ongoing concerns about future disruptions.