Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon intends to continue with the government's current economic policy after former Finance Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's resignation, the prime minister's office said in a statement on Sunday.

The statement came following an emergency meeting held by Sharon with Finance Ministry Director-General Dr. Yossi Bechar, Finance Ministry Budget Director Kobi Heber and Finance Ministry Taxation Authority Director Eitan Rov.

In the meeting, Sharon told the finance staff that the upcoming state budget would remain within the limits of the deficit and expenditure targets set by the government.

The premier also expressed his appreciation of their professional abilities and requested that all three remain in their positions.

The three thanked Sharon and assured him that they intend to remain in their positions in order to continue implementing the government's economic policy.

Netanyahu, the former prime minister and still a strong figure in the leading Likud, handed in his resignation earlier on Sunday in protest against the government's pullout plan from the Gaza Strip, saying the withdrawal cannot bring peace for the region.

His resignation rattled Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. The stock market plunged sharply minutes after Netanyahu announced his resignation.

Source: Xinhua