Netanyahu Orders Likud Expulsion of Airport Workers' Union Head Pinhas Idan Amid Strike Disruptions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the Likud party to expel Pinhas Idan, chairman of the Airport Authority workers' union, following a disruptive and illegal strike at Ben Gurion Airport that severely affected travelers and the economy. This is not the first time Idan's membership in Likud has been at risk; a similar attempt occurred in March 2023 during a major strike connected to the judicial reform crisis and the dismissal of then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

In 2023, Idan led a strike that halted flights at Ben Gurion Airport, prompting Likud party court petitions to remove him for opposing government policy. However, Likud's internal auditor at the time, attorney Shay Galili, issued an unusual opinion opposing Idan's sole punishment. Galili warned that if sanctions were imposed on Idan, he would demand similar penalties against Gallant and Netanyahu, accusing them of contributing to the same outcome. Likud rejected Galili's authority and accused him of conflict of interest due to his political ambitions.

Idan claimed his strike action was coordinated with the Histadrut labor federation and allegedly approved by the Prime Minister's office, a claim later denied by Likud officials who said they opposed the strike and demanded its immediate cessation. Ultimately, Idan was not expelled in 2023 after expressing regret and committing not to strike again for political reasons.

Now, three years later, Netanyahu himself has ordered Idan's expulsion, citing the recent "wild and illegal" strike that harmed citizens and the economy. The party is expected to proceed with the expulsion despite the previous warnings, with some Likud members hoping Netanyahu will not be deterred by threats of sanctions against him. The situation revives the 2023 controversy where punishing Idan risked broader party conflict involving Netanyahu and Gallant.