Doctors Say Sharon's Condition Worsens

Ariel Sharon in a 2005 photo

The director of the hospital treating former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says that his condition is deteriorating further.

Dr. Zeev Rotstein of Tel Hashomer Hospital near Tel Aviv said on January 3 that Sharon's life remained in danger.

Rotstein said there was a "slow and gradual deterioration," with doctors now seeing not only Sharon's kidneys but other vital organs malfunctioning.

He was reported to be in critical condition the previous day.

Sharon had a long and controversial military career and was prime minister from 2001 to 2006.

He has been in a coma after he suffered a stroke in January 2006 while in the midst of a reelection campaign that he was tipped to win.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP