Netanyahu orders removal of airport workers’ leader from Likud after strike
The Finance Ministry estimated that the strike caused between NIS 25 million and NIS 30 million ($8.3 million-$10 million) in damage
Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered the removal of Pinchas Idan, chairman of the Israel Airports Authority workers’ committee, from the Likud party following a strike at Ben Gurion Airport that disrupted operations and caused significant economic losses.
Likud said the decision came after what it described as a “wild and illegal strike” that harmed passengers and damaged the Israeli economy.
The dispute centers on a hours-long labor action by Ben Gurion Airport employees on Thursday. According to Israeli media Channel 12, the strike was initially planned for the previous day and was reportedly intended to interfere with Transportation Minister Miri Regev’s departure for a private vacation in Morocco.
The action was postponed after Netanyahu visited Ben Gurion Airport alongside Regev. According to the report, senior officials at the Israel Airports Authority said Idan and the local workers’ union decided that disrupting the prime minister’s visit would cross a line.
During the visit, Netanyahu and Regev recorded videos with airport employees, while Regev praised the workers for their efforts.
The workers later reportedly received instructions to disrupt baggage handling connected to Regev’s flight. The move caused only a relatively minor delay, according to the report.
The financial impact of the labor action was substantial. The Finance Ministry estimated that the strike caused between NIS 25 million and NIS 30 million ($8.3 million-$10 million) in damage.