Israeli leaders pray for Sharon

2006-01-05 10:54

Jerusalem - Political leaders in Israel united in prayers for Ariel Sharon on Thursday as the prime minister underwent emergency surgery after suffering a massive stroke.

Former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who succeeded his arch rival Sharon as leader of the right-wing Likud party last month, was among the first to offer his wishes for a full recovery.

"Like the entire people of Israel, I also pray for the well being of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon," Netanyahu said in a statement.

His wishes were echoed by President Moshe Katsav who said that "along with all the Israeli people I pray for the well being of the prime minister and wish him a speedy recovery."

The leader of the secular Shinui party Tommy Lapid also issued his best wishes for the prime minister and hoped he would make a quick recovery.

"The whole nation -- his friends, opponents and everyone else -- is worried and wishes him all the best and a quick recovery," Lapid told the Channel 2 television network.

"It is a dramatic night and I hope it won't end over-dramatically. I hope that the system will cope with the situation in a manner befitting a progressive nation."

co/ksh

AFP

- AFP