What's next

This AP article takes a look at what could happen if Prime Minister Sharon's condition worsens.

SUCCESSION: If an Israeli prime minister becomes incapacitated, the deputy premier assumes the post for 100 days. Then, Israel's ceremonial president meets with political leaders and chooses someone to form a coalition government.

Power has already been transferred as a temporary thing for the time being. I think that with the condition Sharon is currently in, Deputy Premier Ehud Olmert is likely to stay in the post for the next 100 days (well, 99 if you include today).

ELECTIONS: Sharon's strokes do not necessarily affect plans to hold Israeli elections March 28. But concerns about his health could affect Kadima, the centrist party he founded. The party, which advocates peace talks with the Palestinians, revolves around Sharon's leadership. Peretz is the likely candidate for the Labor Party.

It will have an effect on the elections in the fact that he won't be the Kadima party leader and that will likely be Deputy Premier Ehud Olmert.

POSSIBLE SUCCESSORS: Kadima includes a mix of politicians who have left the hard-line Likud Party and dovish Labor Party. If Sharon cannot run, potential replacements include Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, former premier Shimon Peres and Finance Minister and Deputy Premier Ehud Olmert.

Regardless of what happened today, my thoughts are with him and his family and may he have a speedy recovery. As to an official statement from me, I don't have one quite yet. I am concerned for his health though.