Doctors treating Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon say he will remain sedated and on a respirator for 48 hours following a massive stroke last night.
The 77-year-old underwent seven hours of surgery before doctors were able to halt bleeding in his brain, but remains in a critical condition.
The director of the hospital said it was unlikely he would be able to return to work.
Power has been transferred to his deputy, Ehud Olmert, and it has been announced that elections scheduled for the end of March are to go ahead as planned.
The Israeli cabinet met in special session earlier today to consider the implications of Mr Sharon's medical condition.
Mr Olmert told the meeting it was important Israel did not come to a standstill.
'We are living with a difficult and complex situation,' he said, 'but the government is functioning and Israel is functioning.'
