Ben-Gvir Ousts Airport Workers' Chair from Likud Over Ben Gurion Chaos

Pinchas Idan, chairman of the Airport Authority workers' committee, was removed from the Likud party by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the chaotic disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday. Netanyahu's decision came after a large-scale, unauthorized strike at the airport severely disrupted flights and caused significant damage to the economy and inconvenience to thousands of passengers. The Likud party stated the strike was "wild and illegal," aimed at harming the Transport Minister, the Prime Minister, and the party itself. Netanyahu petitioned the party's court to terminate Idan's membership, asserting the strike's timing was deliberate and politically motivated.

In response, Idan denied that a strike took place, accusing airport management of deliberately closing check-in counters to create an artificial crisis. The disruptions included a complete shutdown of check-in desks and temporary suspension of landings, with operations only gradually resuming after flight schedules were reorganized. The Airport Authority and the workers' committee exchanged blame, with the authority condemning the strike's timing during peak summer travel, while the workers cited a severe staffing shortage that management repeatedly ignored.

The incident caused massive delays, financial losses estimated at 30 million shekels, and widespread passenger frustration. The ongoing dispute raises concerns about further disruptions and the future stability of airport operations amid unresolved labor tensions.