Bank Hapoalim B.M. disclosed a lawsuit alleging that customers restricted from drawing checks are charged fees for returning checks, a practice that the plaintiff said is illegal.

The applicant, who is seeking a class-action status, argued that dishonoring checks from such accounts holders is not a service for which fees could be charged.

The plaintiff seeks about 590.9 million Israeli shekels, but wishes to be allowed to alter the amount based on further findings in the case, the bank said.

As of Jan. 20, US$1 was equivalent to 3.80 Israeli shekels.