Netanyahu Expels Airport Union Leader from Likud Party

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday evening ordered the expulsion of Pinchas Idan, chairman of the Israel Airports Authority workers' union, from the Likud party.

The move came in response to what officials described as an illegal wildcat strike at Ben Gurion Airport that halted flights and caused severe disruptions on one of the airport's busiest travel days. According to an official statement from Likud's spokesperson, Netanyahu views the strike with extreme severity, citing the unprecedented chaos it created at Israel's main international gateway. Thousands of travelers were stranded at the airport for extended periods as check-in counters closed and baggage failed to reach carousels for more than two hours.

The strike occurred on a day when approximately 100,000 passengers were expected to pass through Ben Gurion Airport. Chaos erupted after ground crew workers walked off the job, prompting airport operations management to declare a "crisis event" due to operational difficulties, problems with aircraft loading and unloading, and a shortage of parking positions.

Television presenter Yaron Avraham documented the disorder at the airport, saying: "What's happening here at the airport, in the arrivals area, is nothing short of surreal. The Israel Airports Authority is simply dysfunctional. Like, didn't you know that August is the busiest season?" Avraham reported that passengers on his flight waited an extended period for their luggage: "A delay of over two hours for our bags."

Minister Miri Regev addressed the crisis and issued a warning: "Whoever made this decision will pay a heavy price."

The decision to expel Idan from Likud represents an unusual step within the party. It follows previous petitions filed against him in Likud's internal court calling for his removal after he led a strike at Ben Gurion Airport as part of protests against judicial reform legislation.

In an official statement, Prime Minister Netanyahu made clear he would not tolerate the shutdown of Ben Gurion Airport: "Ben Gurion will continue to be open and operate normally. Whoever stands in the way will be sent home." The decision to expel Idan from Likud marks the first implementation of that warning.

The Israel Airports Authority announced that starting at 3:00 PM, landing and takeoff operations at Ben Gurion gradually resumed according to a revised flight schedule. However, the damage to citizens and the economy was already significant.