“Arik is not just a leader, but a close friend to us all," Olmert said. "We all hope that Arik, who has won many battles in his life, will emerge from this one as well, healthy and whole."
Olmert conducted the meeting next to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s empty chair, which was placed as usual at the center of the long cabinet conference table.
Attorney-General Menachem Mazuz clarified today that Sharon is still considered to be only "temporarily" unable to fulfill his duties, meaning that Olmert is still only a "substitute" Prime Minister. The "temporary" period ends automatically after 100 days - but in any event, the national elections are only 82 days away.
Mazuz explained that the "temporary" period could also end based on a clear medical prognosis about Sharon's condition. In any event, Mazuz clarified that the elections will be held on March 28, as scheduled.
An unprecedented amount of power has now been concentrated in the hands of Ehud Olmert. In addition to serving as prime minister, he also holds the powers and portfolios of 12 government ministries. The ministries were recently vacated by the Labor Party ministers, and Sharon had not yet appointed their replacements.
At a meeting of police and security leaders today, it was decided that if the Prime Minister passes away, they will be the first to be informed. This, in order to enable the police and Shabak (General Security Service) to prepare for various situations, ranging from the expected arrival of throngs of citizens to the hospital, up to total preparedness of the security establishment for internal and external threats.
It was further decided that a total curfew would be declared on the Arab-populated areas of Judea and Samaria. Army forces are to be thickened in Judea and Samaria, and specifically around Gaza, from where Kassam rockets are expected to be fired in response to the news.
Likud party leader MK Binyamin Netanyahu has suspended his decision that Likud ministers must leave the government. That decision was supposed to take effect on Sunday, after Prime Minister Sharon’s heart catheterization which had been scheduled for today (Thursday).
“We’re still in [the government]," a senior Likud official said. "We have a responsibility to the country, and this not the time to discuss resignations." Netanyahu himself said that all politicking should be put on hold for a few days.
Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, #2 man in the Likud, said, “This is a painful and difficult time for the Israeli people. The hour is difficult and complicated.”
Education Minister Limor Livnat (Likud) said, “We are praying for the prime minister’s recovery. The Likud is represented at the cabinet meeting and will be here in the future.”
Agriculture Minister Yisrael Katz (Likud), one of the only opponents of the disengagement who remained in Sharon’s Cabinet, said, “The Likud will stay in the government to assist its new head.” He described Sharon as “a great fighter who is now lying powerless, and we are all praying for his welfare.”
Justice Minister Tzippi Livni (Kadima), to whom Sharon was reportedly planning to grant a very high place on the party's Knesset list, said, “The message coming out of today’s cabinet meeting, aside from hoping and praying, is that the government is functioning. I will do everything I can to help the Acting Prime Minister function as leader of this government, and to make the right decisions. I am certain that the other ministers will do the same.”
Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman, Chief Rabbi of the development town of Migdal HaEmek in the lower Galilee, visited Sharon's hospital room this afternoon. Rabbi Grossman, who spoke to Sharon yesterday afternoon, moved from Jerusalem's insulated Meah She'arim quarter over 30 years ago straight to Migdal HaEmek, is the founder and head of the Migdal Or yeshiva institutions, in which over 6,000 students - mostly from underprivileged homes - study.
Olmert conducted the meeting next to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s empty chair, which was placed as usual at the center of the long cabinet conference table.
Attorney-General Menachem Mazuz clarified today that Sharon is still considered to be only "temporarily" unable to fulfill his duties, meaning that Olmert is still only a "substitute" Prime Minister. The "temporary" period ends automatically after 100 days - but in any event, the national elections are only 82 days away.
Mazuz explained that the "temporary" period could also end based on a clear medical prognosis about Sharon's condition. In any event, Mazuz clarified that the elections will be held on March 28, as scheduled.
An unprecedented amount of power has now been concentrated in the hands of Ehud Olmert. In addition to serving as prime minister, he also holds the powers and portfolios of 12 government ministries. The ministries were recently vacated by the Labor Party ministers, and Sharon had not yet appointed their replacements.
At a meeting of police and security leaders today, it was decided that if the Prime Minister passes away, they will be the first to be informed. This, in order to enable the police and Shabak (General Security Service) to prepare for various situations, ranging from the expected arrival of throngs of citizens to the hospital, up to total preparedness of the security establishment for internal and external threats.
It was further decided that a total curfew would be declared on the Arab-populated areas of Judea and Samaria. Army forces are to be thickened in Judea and Samaria, and specifically around Gaza, from where Kassam rockets are expected to be fired in response to the news.
Likud party leader MK Binyamin Netanyahu has suspended his decision that Likud ministers must leave the government. That decision was supposed to take effect on Sunday, after Prime Minister Sharon’s heart catheterization which had been scheduled for today (Thursday).
“We’re still in [the government]," a senior Likud official said. "We have a responsibility to the country, and this not the time to discuss resignations." Netanyahu himself said that all politicking should be put on hold for a few days.
Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, #2 man in the Likud, said, “This is a painful and difficult time for the Israeli people. The hour is difficult and complicated.”
Education Minister Limor Livnat (Likud) said, “We are praying for the prime minister’s recovery. The Likud is represented at the cabinet meeting and will be here in the future.”
Agriculture Minister Yisrael Katz (Likud), one of the only opponents of the disengagement who remained in Sharon’s Cabinet, said, “The Likud will stay in the government to assist its new head.” He described Sharon as “a great fighter who is now lying powerless, and we are all praying for his welfare.”
Justice Minister Tzippi Livni (Kadima), to whom Sharon was reportedly planning to grant a very high place on the party's Knesset list, said, “The message coming out of today’s cabinet meeting, aside from hoping and praying, is that the government is functioning. I will do everything I can to help the Acting Prime Minister function as leader of this government, and to make the right decisions. I am certain that the other ministers will do the same.”
Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman, Chief Rabbi of the development town of Migdal HaEmek in the lower Galilee, visited Sharon's hospital room this afternoon. Rabbi Grossman, who spoke to Sharon yesterday afternoon, moved from Jerusalem's insulated Meah She'arim quarter over 30 years ago straight to Migdal HaEmek, is the founder and head of the Migdal Or yeshiva institutions, in which over 6,000 students - mostly from underprivileged homes - study.