Pnechas Idan Accepts Netanyahu's Decision to Expel Him from Likud Without Appeal

Pnechas Idan, chairman of the general workers' committee at the Israel Airports Authority, announced on Sunday that he will not appeal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to expel him from the Likud party. In a letter to Likud's party court chairman, Michael Kleiner, Idan stated he accepts the decision despite rejecting allegations that he was responsible for damages caused to the party due to the shutdown at Ben Gurion Airport. Idan, who has been a Likud member for over 50 years, acknowledged Netanyahu's determination that he was the harmful factor but clarified he was not the one who ordered the cessation of airport operations and has called for an investigation to identify the responsible party.

This development follows a sharp dispute over disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport, with Netanyahu and Transportation Minister Miri Regev accusing the workers, represented by Idan, of deliberately striking to disrupt airport activity. Despite his expulsion from the party, Idan affirmed his commitment to continue representing the airport workers faithfully. He concluded his letter by wishing his Likud colleagues and Netanyahu's family a happy new year and holiday season, expressing hope for the party's success.

By choosing not to contest the expulsion, Idan appears to avoid a direct confrontation with Netanyahu, potentially allowing the prime minister to reconsider his decision and preventing a public clash between the two. This means the expulsion will not be brought before Likud's internal judicial bodies at this stage.