Israeli leader dismisses ministers, calls for new elections

By Michael Schwartz, CNN

December 2, 2014 -- Updated 1714 GMT (0114 HKT)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the 69th United Nations General Assembly on September 29, 2014.

(CNN) -- Israel will soon have new elections, after its prime minister dismissed two critical members of his coalition Cabinet and called for the dissolution of the nation's legislature, his office announced Tuesday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered letters of dismissal for Finance Minister Yair Lapid and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, two members of his Cabinet from rival parties, according to a statement from his office.

"During the last few weeks and, in particular, the last few days, the ministers have intensely attacked the government that I am leading," Netanyahu said. "... I will not tolerate ministers attacking the government's policy and its head from inside the government."