Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, comatose since suffering a stroke in January, was transferred out of an intensive care unit today after doctors successfully treated his double pneumonia.
The Chaim Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv said Sharon was taken back to its respiratory rehabilitation unit following "noticeable improvement in his kidney function and the pneumonia in his lungs".
The hospital reported two weeks ago that Mr Sharon (78), had developed pneumonia and that his condition had deteriorated. He was transferred at the time to intensive care and doctors began administering antibiotics. Sharon suffered a brain haemorrhage on January 4th.
He has been succeeded by Ehud Olmert, whose government took office in May.