Pensioner Pinchas Idan Refuses to Guarantee End to Ben Gurion Airport Chaos Amid Political Dispute

Pinchas Idan, chairman of the workers' committee at Ben Gurion Airport, addressed the recent operational chaos and strike disruptions in an interview with Kan News on August 22, 2026. He denied accusations that he orchestrated an illegal political shutdown aimed at harming Transportation Minister Miri Regev, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Likud party. Idan insisted that the airport management was responsible for closing the airport and rejected claims that he sabotaged Regev's flight. When asked about the possibility of ongoing disruptions next week, Idan responded, "I do not promise anything."

The turmoil at Ben Gurion Airport has caused significant losses, including passenger delays, financial damage to airlines, the Airports Authority, and cargo operators, as well as disruptions to air freight and supply chains. The strike was reportedly triggered by excessive workloads on baggage handlers, who began shifts at 3 a.m. and were expected to work until 3 p.m. Idan emphasized that the workers requested to leave due to exhaustion, but the shutdown was not initiated by the committee. He also highlighted plans to seek a court injunction to enforce a labor agreement limiting baggage handlers to 12-hour shifts, citing safety and health concerns for workers averaging 40 to 50 years old.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu has filed an urgent petition with the Likud party's Supreme Court demanding the suspension of Idan's party membership, accusing him of leading an unlawful political strike. The dispute has escalated into a political confrontation within Likud, with Idan maintaining that his committee had no authority over the airport's closure. The ongoing operational and political fallout from the strike is expected to continue affecting airport activities and party dynamics in the coming days.