Israel will undoubtedly face a political uncertainty as Prime
Minister Ariel Sharon is fighting for his life in hospital Thursday
after a brain haemorrhage.
Sharon, who was hospitalized Wednesday night after suffering a
massive stoke, was in a grave situation although the surgery has
continued for more than six hours.
As the oldest prime minister in Israel's history, Sharon, almost
78, was hospitalized on Dec. 18 after a mild stroke. The latest
development has raised wide concerns over his health before the
March 28 general election.
A fresh report that Israeli police had obtained evidence of
Sharon's family involvement in a US$3 million bribe case had been
expected to blemish Sharon's image in the upcoming general
elections.
In spite of the recent upheavals, Sharon's Kadima Party founded
last November, was still riding high in the opinion polls, forecast
to emerge as the largest party after the election, with a
flattering poll on Wednesday giving the party 42 of the total 120
Knesset seats.
But, one can cautiously say that Sharon's position at Israel's
helm came to a tragic end as of 10 PM Wednesday, when his health
collapsed, as put by Haaretz, a local newspaper.
Politicians believe that it will be difficult for him to return
to his job even if he pulls through the crisis and ensuing
convalescence.
The hospitalization of Sharon abruptly exposed Kadima's position
as a one-man party. Without a strong organization or a suitable
replacement for Sharon, the ruling Kadima will not be as
competitive as expected since many Kadima votes were, in reality,
for Sharon.
According to Haaretz, Sharon was hospitalized at a time
when his standing at home and abroad was at a peak, following the
successful implementation of the disengagement plan. World leaders
were convinced that he was the only one who could move ahead with
the diplomatic process or another withdrawal from the West
Bank.
Sharon's hospitalization will give Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud,
and Amir Peretz's Labor Party another chance in the March 28
elections. The race for the post of prime minister, which until
Wednesday looked like Sharon's one-man show, is now open.
(Xinhua News Agency January 6, 2006)
