The former Israeli foreign minister, David Levy, has said he's decided against rejoining the government.

In a statement carried by Israel army radio, Mr Levy accused the prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, of backtracking on what he says was a promise to give him the finance portfolio.

The prime minister said he would nevertheless continue with efforts to bring Mr Levy back into the cabinet.

Mr Levy resigned in January after accusing Mr Netanyahu of holding up the Middle East peace process and failing to help low-income groups in Israel.