Netanyahu Orders Expulsion of Ben Gurion Airport Workers' Union Chair from Likud After Disruptive Strike

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the Likud party to expel Pinchas Idan, chairman of the Airport Authority workers' union, following an illegal strike that caused major disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport. The strike led to a halt in flights and chaos on one of the busiest days of the year, with approximately 100,000 passengers expected to pass through the airport. Check-in counters were closed, and luggage was delayed on conveyors for over two hours, leaving thousands of travelers stranded.

The strike was initiated by ground crew workers, prompting the airport operations management to declare a "crisis event" due to operational difficulties, including challenges in unloading and loading aircraft and a shortage of parking stands. Journalist Yaron Avraham described the situation as a complete failure of the Airport Authority, highlighting the extensive delays passengers faced.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev condemned the strike and warned that those responsible would face severe consequences. Netanyahu emphasized in an official statement that Ben Gurion Airport must remain open and fully operational, declaring, "Whoever stands in the way will be sent home." The decision to expel Idan from Likud marks a rare and significant political move, following previous petitions to the party's court calling for his removal due to his role in the protest against judicial reform legislation.

Ben Gurion Airport Authority announced that flight operations gradually resumed from 3:00 PM onward, with a revised flight schedule. Despite the restoration of services, the strike caused significant damage to both citizens and the economy.