Jerusalem's Hadassah Hospital says thetracheotomytook less than an hour and was successful. Doctors cut a small hole in Mr. Sharon's neck and inserted a tube into his windpipe. The aim is to wean him from a respirator which has helped him breathe since a massive stroke and cerebral hemorrhage early this month. Medical experts say the tracheotomy is another bad sign for the 77-year-old prime minister.

"The chances are very poor for recovery," said Israeli neurosurgeon Harry Rappaport. "We have to take into account the massiveness of thehemorrhageand his age and usually in such circumstances the prognosis is very bad."