(VIDEO) Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert convened a special government session Thursday morning meant to demonstrate Israel is not facing a power vacuum as Prime Minister Ariel Sharon clings to life at a Jerusalem hospital.

Olmert convenes special cabinet session (Footage: Channel 2)

"This is a difficult hour for all of us and a situation we're unfamiliar with," Olmert said at the start of the session. "We're all praying at this time for the prime minister's wellbeing. From here, we're sending a hug to his sons Gilad and Omri, and praying for his wellbeing."

"Arik is not only a leader, but a close friend of all of us. This is a difficult hour and we'll face it together," the acting prime minister said.

Justice Minister and leading Kadima member Tzipi Livni said that "like every citizen in Israel, I and all other government ministers are praying for the prime minister's wellbeing."

"The message coming out of this government session, beyond the prayers and hope, is that the government functions. I will do everything in my power to help the acting prime minister function, lead this government, take the right decisions, and I'm certain my fellow ministers will do the same," Livni said.