Jerusalem: Shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's disengagement plan was passed by the Knesset, Sharon dismissed Cabinet Minister without portfolio Uzi Landau and Deputy Internal Security Minister Michael Ratzon after they voted against it.

Landau had consistently voiced his opposition to the disengagement plan and was seen as the leader of the "rebel" camp in the Likud.

Sharon had said before yesterday's (Oct 26, 2004) vote that he would sack any Minister who votes against his plan.

Sharon handed the two Ministers a letter of dismissal shortly after the vote.

The Knesset has voted 67-45 to pass Sharon's controversial disengagement plan to evacuate Gaza strip and four isolated settlements in the West Bank.