ISRAELI Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was rushed to hospital last night after suffering a major stroke and a senior source said he feared there may be no chance of recovery from a brain haemorrhage.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon today suffered a “significant” stroke with “massive bleeding” in his brain, a hospital official said.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon joked with aides and discussed affairs of state today after suffering a mild stroke, but his illness raised questions about his ability to lead the country if elected to a third term in March elections.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon underwent additional tests and evaluations in a Jerusalem hospital today after suffering a mild stroke.

ISRAEL’S march toward what appears to be an inevitable early election picked up speed yesterday after new Labour Party leader Amir Peretz threatened to act quickly to bring down Ariel Sharon’s government.