Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said on Wednesday that a meeting of the ruling Likud party's central committee next week to vote on whether to advance party primaries was an attempt to overthrow him, local newspaper Ha' aretz reported on its website.

"Convening the central committee is an attempt to overthrow me, and those who are trying to do so are coming to me with demands," Sharon told dozens of Likud central committee members at his Jerusalem residence on Wednesday.

Sharon made the remarks in response to comments stated earlier in the day by Agriculture Minister Yisrael Katz, who said he would vote to advance party primaries if Sharon does not pledge to remain in the party.

"I heard that there is a demand that I make various pledges and promises. If the attempts to overthrow me succeed, there is no limit to their shame," Sharon said.

Sharon's senior adviser Eyal Arad hinted on Wednesday that the prime minister would leave Likud should the party's central committee decide to advance leadership elections.

Sharon told Likud central committee Tuesday that he intends to win the Likud primaries, according to a Haaretz report.

"I do indeed plan to win and lead the Likud in the next elections so that the party can remain in power," Sharon said.

However, Sharon refrained from saying that he would not quit the party and form a new one if he loses the vote.

In a direct challenge to Sharon, former Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared his candidacy earlier this month for chairmanship of the Likud and its candidate for the premiership.

The party's court ruled two weeks ago that the Likud central committee would vote on Sept. 26 on a proposal to advance the party's primaries, thereby effectively beginning the process of ousting Sharon as the party's head and as its candidate for prime minister in Israel's elections next year.

Source: Xinhua