'PM is recovering, asking about Likud vote'
(VIDEO) PM inquires about Likud primaries and updated on IDF operation in Gaza Monday; associates say he is 'alert and attentive to surroundings,' after being treated at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital for a mild stroke says, ‘I feel much better; I’m fine; I’m sorry for bothering the whole hospital.’ Prime minister to remain under supervision, but cabinet secretary says replacement of PM not necessary as Sharon is ‘functioning, communicating’
(VIDEO) The prime minister has inquired whether the Likud vote is already underway, and was updated on the IDF's operations in Gaza overnight, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's associates said Monday.
Sharon has showered by himself, is no longer connected to monitoring machines and has taken a stroll independently in the hospital ward, his associates added.
The prime minister's two sons, Gilad and Omri, and his daughter-in-law Michal are constantly at his side.
Sources close to Sharon said he was "alert and attentive to his surrounding," and that he was awaiting a series of neurological and other tests. The sources also denied that any facial visual symptom was caused by the stroke.
"I feel much better, I’m fine; I’m sorry for bothering the whole hospital," Sharon told medical staff at Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital after suffering a mild stroke Sunday evening.
An MRI test did not find anything unusual, and the prime minister was transferred to an internal hospital ward, where he met with his sons and associates and said to Cabinet Secretary Yisrael Maimon, “We’re moving forward.”
He also joked with reporters, saying "it seems I should have taken a few vacation days."
Hadassah physician updates reporters (Stills photo: Reuters; Video: Channel 10)
Hadassah physicians said the prime minister would remain hospitalized for the next 48 hours for supervision and tests.
The hospital issued a statement Monday morning regarding Sharon's current situation.
"Prime Minister Ariel Sharon rested throughout the night. His situation continues to be good. During the early hours of the morning he will undergo a medical examination and doctors will decide how to proceed with treatment," the announcement said.
Kadima ministers were scheduled to meet Monday at Sharon's Jerusalem office. However, the meeting was canceled following the evening's events.
Finance Minister Ehud Olmert is set to convene with the party faction at the Knesset later Monday for a weekly update.
Cabinet secretary updates reporters
The prime minister's personal physician, Professor Bolek Goldman, told reporters Sunday night of the moment it was decided to evacuate Sharon to the hospital: “I received word that the prime minister was in a state of confusion, and I ordered that he arrive at the nearest hospital.
“To my knowledge, the prime minister did not lose consciousness at any time,” he said, adding that the stroke symptoms were gone within a few minutes and Sharon received medicine to “melt” the blood clot.
“Now he is joking with all those around him,” Goldman said.
“Sharon asked me why it took me so long to get here. He suffered a minor stroke. No damage was done; he’s in great hands. It is true that the prime minister is 77-years-old and has been under great pressure s of late, but his health is good.”
Cabinet secretary Maimon updated the reporters outside the hospital, saying, “the prime minister felt ill following a meeting with Shimon Peres."
"He made his way to the car on his own and arrived at Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital at 8 p.m.; he underwent a series of tests and is now in good condition."
Peres replaced Rabin in 1995
“I personally spoke with the prime minister,” Maimon continued, “he feels fine and asked the doctors to release him tonight, but they suggested he remain under hospital supervision.
“As to the speculations on whether we may have to appoint someone to replace Sharon, this is irrelevant as he is functioning and communicating.”
According to Israeli law, if the prime minister cannot fill his post, which is not the case at present, the Deputy Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, ought to fill the ministerial post.
Vice premiers filled the prime ministerial post twice in the past. In 1969 prime minister Levi Eshkol passed away and deputy prime Minister Yigal Alon acted as prime minister for a month before Golda Meir swept to victory in the general elections.
On November 4, 1995, prime minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated and deputy prime minister Shimon Peres replaced him.
The Prime Minister’s Office will update Sharon with the political agenda and seek his approval when required until he is released from the hospital.
Aides and associates returned home Sunday evening, leaving the prime minister to rest in the privacy of his heavily secured internal ward.
Maimon, Sharon’s spokesperson Asi Shariv, and political advisor Erez Halfon, remained by the prime minister’s bedside until late Sunday night. The prime minister’s sons Omri and Gilad remained in the hospital with their father.
A meeting of the Kadima faction scheduled for 9.30 a.m. Monday has been cancelled.
Ronny Sofer contributed to the report
