Many Israeli expressed outrage at the closure of Ben-Gurion Airport on Monday for political purposes, inconveniencing thousands of people at a peak traveling time. What aroused even more fury was the frivolous way in which it was closed – on the whim of one man – the head of the Israel Airports Authority, Pinchas Idan, who is also a member of Likud. During a press conference by the head of the Histadrut calling for a strike [which may have been illegal], Idan went to the stage, took out his phone, and called an unknown official at Ben-Gurion. “I’m announcing that from this moment on there are no take-offs,” Idan said. “Who is this? Hello? Stop all take-offs right now. Landings will continue as usual. Stop the take-offs. We’ll talk about everything later. Bye.” Journalist Yehudah Schlesinger wrote: “The conversation and the way it was carried out angered many on social media who called to check whether it was legal. What is this thing? People prepare for months – business trips, vacations, flights, hotels, cars. And some clown comes and decides: ‘Halt the flights for me.’ That’s it.” “Shouldn’t a dramatic decision to close the gates of the State of Israel be made by a minister? Committee? Board of directors?” Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli (Likud) wrote: “Pinchas Idan – someone who takes Israeli citizens as hostages has no place in the Likud movement – which works for citizens and doesn’t use them as political bargaining chips. Put the keys on the table tonight. Thanks.” Many right-wing social media users also expressed anger at retail outlets that joined in the political strike, with many calling to boycott the stores that closed on Monday, such as the Fox clothing store. אנשים מצלמים את עצמם קורעים כרטיסי קנייה של פוקס ומעלים לרשת pic.twitter.com/rKLhHDMPQ0 — אנסטסיה שוקן