Negotiations on the formation of an emergency unity government came to a halt on Tuesday as the Likud and Blue and White locked horns over judicial appointments.
Blue and White accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying walk back the agreement by which the former would control the Judicial Appointments Committee.
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The committee is headed by the justice minister, a role Blue and White wants to see given to MK Avi Nissenkorn. The move has been opposed by the nationalist Yamina faction, which argues that Nissenkorn will undo all of former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked's reforms with respect to the Judiciary,
"After reaching understandings on all issues, the Likud asked to re-open discussions regarding the Judicial Appointments Committee," a statement by Blue and White said.
"In light of this, negotiations have been halted. We will not allow any change in the functioning of the Judiciary nor will we tolerate the undermining of democracy," the party said.
Minister Yariv Levin, who heads the Likud's negotiations team, "Is dragging Israel to another election," an official with the Center-Left party charged.
"We had copies [of a coalition deal] ready to sign, then he [Levin] began threatening Netanyahu and was able to torpedo the unity government. Levin is effectively running the country," the official said.
Levin declined to comment on Blue and White's accusations.
Derech Eretz MK Yoaz Hendel, whose faction operates under Blue and White, tweeted, "No one should get confused: only a unity government can help Israel go forward. There is no other way."
