Airport Workers Union Chief Criticizes Netanyahu After Being Expelled from Likud

Pinchas Idan, chairman of the Airport Authority workers' union, responded sharply to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to expel him from the Likud party following severe disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport. Idan stated, "I was in Likud before Bibi and I will remain after Bibi," dismissing the significance of being a Likud Central Committee member. He warned that the airport chaos could recur if more staff are not recruited before the upcoming holidays.

The disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport included a complete shutdown of check-in counters and temporary halting of landings, causing thousands of passengers to be stranded. Operations gradually resumed after flight schedules were reorganized. The Airport Authority and the workers' union exchanged accusations, with the authority condemning the strike during peak summer travel and the union blaming a severe manpower shortage.

In an interview, Idan claimed the strike was declared by management, not the union, explaining that the morning shift was supposed to end at 11:00 AM but workers were exhausted from 12-hour shifts. He said the afternoon shift was scheduled for 1:00 PM but management was asked to bring it forward by two hours to avoid the strike. Idan emphasized that no flights were stopped by the union.

Netanyahu's decision to expel Idan from Likud was announced by the party, citing the "wild and illegal strike at the airport that harmed citizens and the economy." This is not Idan's first political controversy; about a year and a half ago, during protests against judicial reforms, he announced a shutdown of Ben Gurion Airport, claiming coordination with Netanyahu. At that time, the Likud court chose not to expel him after he expressed regret. Idan had also stated willingness to shut down the airport to support the judicial reform.

Following the recent disruptions, Netanyahu appears to have taken a firmer stance by removing Idan from the party.