Doctors are finally planning to bring Ariel Sharon out of the medically induced coma after no change was reported in the Israeli Prime Minister's overnight condition.
They have cautioned that though Sharon would recover, it would be difficult for him to return to his post.
"There is no change in the prime minister's condition, which is still critical but stable," a statement said. "This morning there will be consultation among the doctors treating him and then decide on the process of reducing his sedation.
A new brain scan on Sunday showed that his vital signs were normal, Dr Shlomo Mor-Yosef, the hospital's director, said.
"His condition is still critical but stable, and there is improvement in the CT picture of the brain," Mor-Yosef said.
The process of weaning Sharon away from the anaesthetics is expected to take six to eight hours.
One of Sharon's doctors said the prime minister, if he survives, would not be able to resume office, and acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, seen as Sharon's potential heir, told the Cabinet he would work to carry on Sharon's political legacy.