Israeli Opposition Leader Calls for Nationwide Strike to Press Government on Hostages

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid called for a nationwide strike to pressure the government into securing the release of hostages in Gaza. Lapid urged public participation in a Tel Aviv protest and called on labor unions, businesses, and municipalities to join the strike. The Manufacturers' Association and Histadrut labor federation also showed support.

Israel's opposition leader Yair Lapid urged a nationwide strike on Sunday, aiming to pressure the government into negotiating the release of hostages held in Gaza. He called on Israelis, labor unions, businesses, and municipalities to join a significant protest in Tel Aviv.

The powerful Histadrut labor federation and the Manufacturers' Association both indicated support for the strike, criticizing the government's failure to secure the hostages' return. Histadrut plans to meet with families of the hostages before finalizing its decision.

Ron Tomer, head of the Manufacturers' Association, emphasized that without returning the hostages, societal and economic recovery in Israel would be impossible. The association urged all businesses to take action, even if it required a limited ceasefire.

(With inputs from agencies.)