Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered a stroke and cerebral hemorrhage and is in surgery in critical condition. Unlike his last recent health scare last month, this time it’s serious:
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.”
According to Justice Ministry spokesman Ya’acov Galant, 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.
All of Israel and the entire world is hanging on for news. Beyond the implications of what this might mean for Sharon personally and for his family, Israel is in the midst of a critical election and the political implications are staggering.
In the meantime, besides directing some prayers Ariel Sharon’s way for a refuah sheleimah, there’s nothing anyone can do but wait for news.
How good of a PM will Olmert be? Would he be an effective alternative to Sharon’s leadership of the new party?