Finance Minister Urges Legal Block on Planned Strike

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has requested the attorney general to block a nationwide strike aimed at pressuring the government to bring back hostages from Hamas. He argues the strike lacks legal basis and would cause unnecessary economic damage during wartime.

In a significant move, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has urged the country's attorney general to seek a court order to prevent a planned nationwide strike on Monday.

The strike aims to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to secure the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Smotrich emphasized that the strike, promoted by Arnon Bar-David's Histadrut union, lacks a legal basis and could severely impact the country's economy, especially amid wartime conditions.

Though the strike has garnered support from key industry leaders, there has been no immediate response from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara regarding the request.

(With inputs from agencies.)