The Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has undergone a tracheotomy at the Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem where he is being treated since suffering a massive stroke eleven days ago.
Hospital officials said the procedure, in which a small hole was cut into his neck and a tube inserted into his windpipe, was a success.
The surgery is aimed at eventually weaning him off a respirator, as doctors try to wake him.
Mr Sharon, who is 77, is said to be serious but stable.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Cabinet has decided to allow Palestinians in east Jerusalem vote in elections later this month.
Israel had threatened to ban voting in the city because the militant group Hamas are taking part in the election.
However, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said he would postpone the election until voters in east Jerusalem were allowed to cast their ballots. Polling day is on 25 January.
