Ben-Gurion Airport Union Chief Denies Role in Shutdown Amid Netanyahu Ouster Bid
Pinchas Idan has denied responsibility for the operational shutdown that disrupted flights on Thursday, asserting that airport management—not the workers’ committee—halted activities. As the Israel Airports Authority reportedly considers termination proceedings against him, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has petitioned the Likud party to revoke Idan’s membership, alleging the union leader orchestrated an illegal, politically motivated shutdown.
Disputed Responsibility for Airport Shutdown
The conflict centers on the chaotic conditions at Ben-Gurion Airport, which resulted in significant flight delays and baggage handling failures. According to the The Times of Israel, the Israel Airports Authority is currently weighing whether to fire Idan over his role in the incident.
Idan rejected these allegations during an appearance on Kan News’ “At Seven with Ayala Hasson,” stating, “The airport manager is the one who closed Ben-Gurion Airport.” He maintained that the disruption was not a planned work stoppage but a result of severe labor shortages and exhaustion among staff. Idan explained that a team of baggage handlers, who began their shifts at 3:00 a.m., requested to leave by the afternoon because they were physically unable to continue. “Everything is documented and everything is filmed,” Idan said, defending his position that the union did not initiate a formal work stoppage.
Political and Economic Fallout
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested that the Likud Supreme Court terminate Idan’s party membership.
The economic impact of the disruption is substantial. The Finance Ministry estimated the damage to the Israeli economy at between NIS 25 million and NIS 30 million, a figure accounting for lost passenger time, airline operational costs, and supply chain interruptions. Idan dismissed claims of political interference, stating he had never received benefits from the Likud party and noting that he personally assisted in loading the plane for Transportation Minister Regev during the period of high pressure.
Ongoing Staffing Shortages and Legal Threats
The airport’s operational stability remains in question as the union warns of continued vulnerabilities. Data from the Israel Airports Authority workers’ union indicates a shortfall of approximately 400 to 500 employees, leaving the facility struggling to manage peak summer traffic.
Idan stated that he intends to pursue legal action to prevent the scheduling of 12-hour shifts for baggage handlers, arguing that such hours are unsafe for staff members who are often between 40 and 50 years old. When asked by Kan News if the public could be assured that similar disruptions would not occur next week, Idan declined to provide a guarantee, stating, “I don’t promise anything.” The union chairman remains focused on his planned court petition to secure an injunction against extended shifts, while the petition for his removal from the Likud party awaits further movement within the party’s internal legal system.