Netanyahu Moves to Oust Legendary Airport Workers' Union Leader Amid Political Turmoil

Chaos at Ben Gurion Airport over a disruptive strike has sparked political fallout within the Likud party. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the dismissal of Pinchas Idan, the longtime chairman of the Airport Authority workers' union, citing the "wild and illegal strike" that harmed Israeli citizens and the economy. This dismissal requires approval from the Likud party's internal court, led by former MK Michael Kleiner, which has the authority to permanently expel Idan for repeated political strikes or disruptions.

Idan, 70, has led the union since 1986 (except for two years as mayor of Lod) and is a powerful figure due to his ability to halt airport operations and the loyalty of about 2,000 Likud-affiliated airport workers and their families. In March 2023, during public protests against judicial reforms, Idan ordered a strike that stopped flights, drawing harsh criticism and legal petitions within Likud. Although the party court decided in September 2024 not to expel him, it condemned political strikes as harmful to Israeli democracy and Likud, stating such actions warrant sanctions up to expulsion.

Idan's influence is rooted in decades of improving workers' conditions and his family's extensive employment at the airport, despite past State Comptroller findings of nepotism. He declined a Knesset candidacy in 2019 to avoid resigning from the Airport Authority, later withdrawing from the 2022 primaries and endorsing Eliyahu Ravivo, brother of Lod's mayor.

Netanyahu's decision to remove Idan is seen partly as an attempt to calm public anger over the strike's damage. However, Netanyahu himself has contributed to politicizing the Airport Authority, appointing close ally Yiftach Ron Tal as chairman in January 2026. Ron Tal, a former IDF ground forces commander and chairman of the Electric Company, has faced conflict-of-interest concerns due to business ties linked to airport developments. Likud insiders suggest Ron Tal may be positioned for a security-related Knesset seat in upcoming elections.