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Kulanu leader Moshe Kahlon withdrew from a planned meeting with Likud party negotiators yesterday morning, in protest against commitments Likud had made to the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party.

Kulanu, which ran on a largely economic platform, wants control of the powerful Knesset Finance Committee in addition to having party leader Moshe Kahlon serve as Finance Minister. However, Likud had reportedly promised that UTJ’s Moshe Gafni would chair the Finance Committee prior to the formal start of coalition talks. Mr Kahlon cancelled his meeting with Likud coalition negotiators to register his protest at the move.

Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett, meanwhile, claimed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was secretly trying to build a unity government with Isaac Herzog’s Zionist Union – a claim denied by both Mr Netanyahu and Mr Herzog. Mr Bennett wrote in a Facebook note that Jewish Home was ready to go into opposition if necessary. However Likud negotiator Yariv Levin MK told Israel Radio that Jewish Home would be a “central partner” in the coalition.

Negotiations with the other parties have been smoother. Rumours point to UTJ reclaiming the Health Ministry in addition to the Finance committee. Both were controlled by the party prior to the 2013 general election. Shas is likely to be offered the Interior Ministry for leader Aryeh Deri, a controversial appointment because Deri has served jail time for corruption.

Inside Likud itself there is competition for key roles, with a number of Likud MKs seeking the Justice Ministry. A Haaretz leader expresses particular concern that Yariv Levin MK could become Justice Minister, while expressing support for two other possible Likud candidates: Tzachi Hanegbi and Benny Begin.

Mr Netanyahu has until 22 April to form a Government, with the possibility of a two-week extension.