Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Likud ministers yesterday that, contrary to the rumors, he has no intention of moving up parliamentary elections. "There has been no decision to call for early elections and all the reports dealing with the issue are one big mistake," he asserted.

The prime minister suggested cynically that the ministers could pass on this information themselves, adding: "You can also send a text message about this, which you seem to love to do."

Asked if, nonetheless, there was some chance of an earlier election, he answered, "Absolutely not. I deny it completely. There will be no election in September nor October. We have no such intention. Go text that as well."

Netanyahu discussed the upcoming Likud convention, noting that it would probably be held in the second half of June. He believes that discussion on appeals concerning the preliminary elections for Likud leadership would be concluded by next week, and that the convention could thereby be held within 90 days.

The prime minister also mentioned several social issues at the meeting, among them the railway workers´ strike, which he said harmed poorer people and the economy. He also requested that the ministers submit ideas and proposals to deal with the rising prices of water, electricity and gasoline. (© Copyright 2012 Ha´aretz 03/26/12)