Ben Gurion Airport Workers' Chair Denies Ordering Shutdown Amid Labor Dispute

Pnechas Idan, chairman of the Ben Gurion Airport Workers' Committee, denied giving any order to halt flights or security screenings at Israel's main international airport. In a radio interview on Galei Israel, Idan rejected claims that the shutdown was politically motivated and explained his absence from a scheduled meeting due to medical tests. He emphasized that he does not manage his own schedule and insisted it was illogical for him to close the airport or issue such an order.

Idan stated he is willing to take full responsibility if proven otherwise, saying he would resign without pension if found to have lied. He attributed the operational halt to an unusual workload and management decisions, explaining that exhausted workers requested to leave after nine hours, which was approved by supervisors. He clarified that the management, not the workers' committee, ordered the stoppage and that an internal and external audit committee has been established to investigate.

During the interview, Idan was confronted with accusations of political motives linked to past strikes during judicial reforms. He responded by affirming his loyalty to the Histadrut labor federation and stated the strike was under its auspices. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the dismissal of Aryeh Yoeli, chairman of the Ben Gurion Airport Workers' Committee from the Likud party, in connection with the incident.