A strike by workers at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport has disrupted baggage services, forcing many flights to operate without baggage. Thousands of passengers have been affected by uncertainty at the airport due to queues and delays.
Channel 12 reported that the strike is costing the Israeli economy 25–30 million shekels, or approximately $8–10 million, each day.
Regev and senior officials face criticism
As a crisis unfolded at Ben Gurion Airport, described as Israel's only gateway to the world, Transport Minister Miri Regev, who was on vacation in Morocco, and senior ministry officials faced public criticism.

Likud orders Pinchas Idan's expulsion
Likud, led by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, announced that instructions had been issued to expel Pinchas Idan, chairman of the Airports Authority Employees Committee, from the party.
In its statement, Likud described the strike as “irresponsible and illegal.” It argued that the strike was harming citizens and causing economic damage.
Flights gradually resume
Disruptions have affected both flights and baggage delivery at the airport over the past two weeks. During the strike, all check-in counters were closed and flights were temporarily suspended.
Ben Gurion Airport was closed to aircraft arrivals at 2 p.m. on Thursday. Flights gradually resumed a short time later.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said the airport would remain open and continue operating normally, and used harsh language toward the staff who walked off the job.