Israel hospital: Sharon’s condition still critical

Zeev Rotstein, the director of Tel Hashomer hospital where the comatose former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon is being treated, informs the media about Sharon’s health condition at the hospital near Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, Jan. 3, 2014. AP/Dan Balilty

JERUSALEM — The Israeli hospital treating Ariel Sharon says the former prime minister’s medical condition remains critical.

Tel Hashomer hospital made the announcement in a short text message to reporters Saturday evening. “There was no significant change in Ariel Sharon’s condition over the Sabbath, his condition continues to be critical and his life is in danger,” it said.

Earlier this week the hospital said Sharon’s health had deteriorated and several organs including his kidneys weren’t’ functioning properly.

The 85-year-old Sharon has been in a coma for eight years after a devastating stroke incapacitated him at the peak of his political power.

Sharon was one of Israel’s most iconic and controversial figures.