Doctors at Tel Hashomer Hospital report that former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon remains in critical condition, the result of renal failure.

Sharon has been comatose since January 5, 2006 and has since undergone a number of surgeries and medical procedures. He was transferred from Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem in 2006 after his cerebral hemorrhage to a rehabilitation unit in Tel Hashomer, where he has remained with the exception of a short period when the family tried to accommodate his medical needs at their Sycamore Farm. Sharon’s condition was too complicated for an out-of-hospital setting and he was returned to Tel Hashomer.

After consulting with family members the medical team has decided not to place the former prime minister on dialysis, due to his prolonged comatose state and his advanced age, 86.

Medical experts explain the expected decision means the former prime minister will remain alive for a number of hours to days but one can never know. They add that remaining comatose for eight years is a rare entity, especially for someone Sharon’s age.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)