Israel’s Labour party leader said she would not form a coalition with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to the “radicalisation” of his Likud party.

During a meeting that took place with Labour leaders and members of the Knesset yesterday, Shelly Yachimovich said: "I aspire to be elected prime minister, but if I'm not, I will head the opposition.

"Mr Netanyahu is planning a social and economic hell - radicalisation is evident in every aspect.

“I can't imagine what will happen to the rule of law if Mr Netanyahu is re-elected - this isn’t the Likud that we all know."

According to the report on Ynet news, Ms Yachimovich extended her attack to former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who was indicted with fraud and breach of trust last month. She called Mr Lieberman a “corrupt man”.

Ms Yachimovich made the statement ahead of the Israeli government elections on January 22.