Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon’s breathing is improving and he may soon be disconnected from a respirator, an Israeli daily newspaper reported today.

Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon remained in a critical but stable condition today, more than two weeks after he suffered a massive stroke, said Hadassah Hospital spokesman Ron Krumer in Jerusalem.

Attorney General Meni Mazuz is expected to notify Ehud Olmert today that he will continue to serve as acting prime minister through Israel’s elections, the Justice Ministry said, as Israeli leader Ariel Sharon remained in a coma.

A test has shown activity in both lobes of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s brain, but he remains comatose and in critical but stable condition, Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem said today.

Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon remained comatose and in a critical condition today, nine days after his massive stroke.

Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon remained comatose and in a critical condition today, nine days after his stroke.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s doctors today hoped to remove the prime minister from all remaining sedatives after he moved his left hand for the first time, but hospital officials cautioned against being overly optimistic about his chances for recovery from a massive stroke.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who suffered a massive stroke last week, has shown movement on his left side, Israeli media reported today.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon underwent an additional brain scan today as doctors prepared to assess how much damage the Israeli leader has suffered from his severe stroke.