News quoted from the jerusalem post
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered a serious stroke and had been anesthetized, the director general of Hadassah Ein Karem hospital in Jerusalem said late Wednesday.
The prime minister was reportedly in serious condition and was suffering from cerebral hemorrhaging. He is currently undergoing emergency neurosurgery in an effort to stop internal bleeding in his brain.
A short while after 1 a.m., Sharon's personal physician, Dr. Shlomo Segev told reporters, "PM is in surgery; the surgery is going as planned. We need to be patient. I have nothing else to add."
PM Spokesman Raanan Gissin said, "Once the operation ends, the public will be notified. Until then, I suggest not to engage in speculation."
According to a medical expert, the procedure is life threatening. Asked what are the chances of surviving this type of surgery, the doctor replied, "Let's be optimistic, some people survive it."
The prime minister's close associates said of his condition: "Hope for a miracle."
Justice Ministry spokesman Ya'acov Galant said that a prime minister legally remains in his post only as long as he is capable of making decisions. Since Sharon is not conscious after suffering from what doctors termed "a serious stroke," his powers and prerogatives were transferred to his deputy, Finance Minister Ehud Olmert.
Deputy Director of Hadassah Ein Karem, Dr. Shmuel Shapira, told Channel 10 TV that Sharon suffered "a massive stroke, he was taken to an operating room to drain the blood."
The dramatic downturn in Sharon's health comes as Sharon runs for re-election on March 28 at the head of a new centrist party, Kadima, and he enjoys a wide lead in the polls. The party's strength is centered on Sharon himself, and if he were forced to leave the scene, Israel's political scene would be thrown into turmoil.
The Rabbinate was organizing a prayer rally service at the Western Wall.
It appears that initially, Sharon's condition was not as severe. According to well-placed sources, there were two deteriorations, one just prior to the arrival at Hadassah and the second, upon entering the trauma unit.
While on his way to the hospital, Sharon's spokesmen claimed that the prime minister was conscious and able to speak, but had complained that he was suffering from weakness and "felt ill."
The prime minister initially complained of feeling chest pressure and pain. Two Sharon associates said the prime minister was feeling unwell at his Negev ranch, and following a discussion with his personal doctor decided to be taken to hospital.
He could have been taken to the closer Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, but it was decided to take him to the further Jerusalem hospital, where he was to have a pre-scheduled catheterization on Thursday.
Sharon's son Gilad was reportedly in the car with him, along with a physician, while his other son, MK Omri Sharon, arrived at the hospital as well.
After suffering a mild stroke 18 days ago, the prime minister had been scheduled to undergo the heart procedure Thursday morning.
However, the procedure was reportedly delayed due to the events of Wednesday evening.
High-ranking Likud sources hinted that the Likud could end up staying in the government if Sharon's health situation turns out to be serious, but a Netanyahu spokesman said the party would not issue any statement other than to wish the prime minister well.
This is not good news as his deputy is apparently opposed to peace plans, which if do not go ahead will further destabilize the middle east
