Likud in turmoil as labour leader shuts down Ben Gurion Airport – party moves to strip him of power

Ben Gurion Airport remained partially closed on Tuesday following a strike by airport workers, triggering a fierce backlash within the ruling Likud party against the labour union chief responsible. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the dismissal of the worker committee chairman from the party, whilst senior Likud figures are calling for measures to diminish his political influence. One senior Likud member described the situation as crossing a red line, stating: “This has exposed the depth of rot within our ranks.”

The strike, which began on Monday, paralysed operations at Israel’s largest airport and caused widespread disruption to passengers. The labour leader responsible had previously served within Likud circles, prompting accusations from party colleagues that he had betrayed their shared political interests. The shutdown was seen as particularly damaging given Israel’s ongoing security situation and economic pressures.

Denying reports that he was planning further industrial action, the labour chief sought to defuse tensions by emphasising his historical loyalty to Likud and its leadership. “I am a Likud man, before Netanyahu and after Netanyahu,” he stated, attempting to frame his actions as independent of party politics. However, his comments failed to quell anger among senior party members, who view the airport shutdown as a serious challenge to state authority and economic stability.

The incident has laid bare internal divisions within the Likud party and raised questions about the movement’s capacity to manage labour relations during a critical period for the country. Efforts to formally prohibit such actions are now being considered within party ranks, though legal and constitutional implications remain unclear.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.