Israel recognises Sharon era over

Some medics have already opined that Sharon, prime minister for the last five years and at the centre of Israeli political and military life for half a decade, will probably be unable to sustain the strains of high office after suffering two strokes in less than three weeks.

Many Israelis were at first reluctant to believe that the man known as the "Bulldozer" had himself been knocked down for good.

But with the 77-year-old still in an induced coma four days after being admitted to hospital, reality is sinking in.

"I think that you have to be realistic. For Sharon, it's over. I don't believe he can return to his post even if he pulls through," lamented Emmanuel Mai, a Jerusalem swimming instructor.

"We must get used to the idea that he will not complete what he has begun to do with the Palestinians," he added in reference to last summer's pullout from the Gaza Strip.

The historic withdrawal was widely expected to be followed up by new pull backs from the West Bank had he won March's general election.

It is not the first time that Israelis have had to deal with the shock of losing a leader, with the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin a decade ago still etched on the memories of many in the Jewish state.

As was the case during the height of the suicide bombings during the now five-year Palestinian uprising, many Israelis have been glued to the army and public radio stations for the latest updates on the premier's health.

Doctors and aides struck a more upbeat note on Saturday, expressing hope that he would exit his coma but few believe he will emerge unscathed after such heavy bleeding in his brain over the last few days.

"We love him, we love him, we love him," said a fan of the Betar Jerusalem football club, a team noted for its nationalist support base.

"We want him back in his post," the pumped-up fan told journalists as he attended a match against the mainly Arab Bnei Sakhnin team.

A doctor at the Hadassah hospital where Sharon lies in intensive care, however, made clear that the idea of a return was wishful thinking.

"We are in no doubt that we will be able to revive him... but he will probably not be able to resume his duties," he added.

The doctor said the prime minister, who suffered a massive brain haemorrhage on Wednesday, "risked being paralysed or suffering from other problems that will prevent him from exercising his duties."

Another doctor, who was not part of the team treating Sharon, agreed that "to think that the prime minister can resume his functions is unrealistic."

"At best, he can be a good grandfather to his grandchildren," said Motti Ravid.