The Israeli foreign minister, David Levy, has announced that he is resigning from the Israeli government, saying he could no longer work with it. He told a news conference in Tel Aviv that the Prime Minister had met his demands over the budget, but he said it went much deeper than that. From Jerusalem, Lyse Doucet reports.

The man known for his brinkmanship has finally made good on his threats. Many doubted that the foreign minister would finally quit the government, but an angry David Levy said it had reached a point where he could no longer stay.

He told a news conference the issue wasn't about any particular sum of money. It went far deeper, he said.

It was this government's commitment to its citizens and to the Middle East peace process. Mr Levy said his Gesher faction joined the governing coalition because of shared ideas and social visions.

Now, he said, they were finished with this partnership. Mr Levy's resignation takes effect 48 hours after he submits it to the Prime Minister.

Mr Netanyahu may try to persuade him to stay, but Mr Levy's new tone and language suggest he won't change his mind. And with Mr Levy's resignation, Mr Netanyahu has lost a political rival who has long been a thorn in his side.