Proposal: Sharon to top Kadima list

"I'm optimistic regarding Arik's condition," Adler said. "The moment the doctors say there's a good chance everything will be ok, we should examine this option, whose implications for Kadima and its voters are completely clear."

Deputy Defense Minister Ze'ev Boim said in response that "the fact the prime minister is still positioned at the top of the party's list exhibits hope for his recovery, as well as an unequivocal statement he is the founding father of the movement, first among his people, and that his heritage and way are a guiding light for Kadima."

However, other party members were more skeptical about the notion.

"My feeling is that we shouldn't concern ourselves with this possibility as long as Sharon is still at risk," a senior Kadima member said.

Meanwhile, another top party member said he did not rule out the proposal, as long as the prime minister's condition improves.

"We would all like to see Arik getting back to leading the party, but I'm afraid we must be pragmatic: Despite our hopes and prayers, the prime minister is hospitalized in serious condition at the hospital, and it is still unclear what we can expect," he stressed.

"Although we are more optimistic, there is still a long way before naming him as number one again. The proposal may be an old friend's psychological solution for handling his own concerns. This is legitimate, but it's hard to say it's realistic," he concluded.

Adler's Quartet: Sharon, Olmert, Peres and Livni

If Adler's recommendation receives backing, Olmert would remain Kadima's candidate for the post of prime minister.

Peres would move down to the number three spot in the party, while Tzipi Livni would take up fourth place.

Former Shin Bet chief Avi Dichter would compete over fifth place in the party list with Meir Sheetrit and Shaul Mofaz, according to Kadima sources.

In any case, Kadima has enough time – February 7 - to sort out its Knesset list.

Meanwhile, Knesset Member Haim Oron of Meretz bitterly attacked what he called "the cynical and nauseating attempt by Olmert and Kadima to exploit the prime minister's illness," after reports that Sharon may remain in charge of Kadima despite his medical condition.

"While all parties including Meretz are acting with restraint, the prime minister's party is trying to take advantage of his tragic situation to empower itself politically," he added.

"Kadima has no conscience, no morals, and no God," blasted Oron.

Meretz Faction Chairwoman Zahava Gal-On also slammed the recommendation: "While the prime minister is fighting for his life, Kadima is exploiting his struggle to win mandates."

Likud officials also attacked the initiative, calling it a "cynical spin."

"The only ones who are making a political fortune from Sharon's conditions are Kadima's members," s a Likud source said.

Knesset Member Moshe Kahlon (Likud) said: "As someone who knows and values Sharon, it pains me that there are various elements around him who are trying to make a political fortune on the back of his illness."