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Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu seeks early general election

03 December 2014 01:32 (UTC +04:00)

Benjamin Netanyahu said Yair Lapid and Tzipi Livni had "harshly attacked" both himself and the coalition government.

Mr Netanyahu explained that he wanted an election two years early to win "a clear mandate to lead Israel".

Disagreements over a series of economic and political policies have strained relations within the coalition.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Mr Netanyahu said it was "impossible" to lead the government with the current coalition, describing Ms Livni and Mr Lapid's activities as a "putsch".

"I will not tolerate an opposition within the government anymore," he said.

"I will not tolerate ministers attacking government policy from within the government, attacking its leader, motivated by political interests, and being irresponsible at a national level."