An operation Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was to undergo today has been delayed due to an infection in his respiratory tract.
Mr Sharon (78), was to undergo surgery later today to reattach a portion of his skull removed three months ago after he suffered a massive stroke. He has been in a coma ever since.
He has spent much of the last three months in what Jerusalem's Hadassah hospital called "critical but stable condition". Hadassah described his current infection as "mild".
Mr Sharon was replaced by interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert whose Kadima party emerged as the largest party in last week's Israeli general election.
Mr Olmert is expected succeed Mr Sharon in the full capacity of prime minister in the coming weeks.
Doctors have speculated that in the coming weeks Mr Sharon will be moved to a nursing home intended for long-term comatose patients requiring constant medical care.