Pini Idan Accepts Netanyahu's Decision to Expel Him from Likud Over Ben Gurion Airport Disruption

Pini Idan, chairman of the Airport Authority workers' committee, announced on Sunday that he will not appeal his expulsion from the Likud party following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's directive. Netanyahu ordered Idan's removal due to the "disruptive strike at Ben Gurion Airport" that caused significant operational chaos. In a letter to Michael Kleiner, head of Likud's disciplinary court, Idan acknowledged Netanyahu's decision, stating that the prime minister considers him the "malicious factor" causing damage to the party. Idan denied that a strike took place and emphasized that he never instructed to halt airport operations. He also called for a thorough investigation to identify who gave such orders.

The conflict erupted after a severe disruption at Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday, which halted airport activity, canceled dozens of flights, and delayed hundreds more, affecting approximately 100,000 passengers. The Finance Ministry estimated the economic damage at around 30 million shekels. The Airport Authority management blamed the workers' committee for the disruptions, but Idan and the committee rejected claims of a planned strike. They attributed the crisis to a severe and ongoing staff shortage, warning for months about the lack of 400 to 500 workers, including many on reserve duty or absent due to illness or injury. Some employees reportedly worked 220 to 260 hours monthly, with shortages impacting security, firefighting, transportation, and sorting sectors.

Likud viewed the events as a deliberate attempt to shut down Israel's main entry point during peak travel season. Netanyahu instructed action to expel Idan, with a senior Likud official telling ynet that Idan "started a world war and will pay the price." Idan responded that he does not plan further strikes and reaffirmed his primary loyalty to the workers he represents.

This is not Idan's first internal conflict with Likud over airport disruptions. In March 2023, during protests against judicial reforms and after Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's dismissal, Idan ordered a halt to takeoffs during a general strike declared by the Histadrut labor federation. Attempts to expel him then were unsuccessful. Initially, Idan claimed the strike was coordinated with the Prime Minister's office but later retracted this. Despite his long-standing Likud membership, Idan stresses his foremost commitment is to the workers he represents.