Sharon to be declared "permanently incapacitated"

The cabinet will declare Prime Minister Ariel Sharon "permanently incapacitated" at its meeting next week, it was reported on Monday. Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz declared Sharon temporarily incapacitated after the prime minister suffered a massive stroke on Jan. 4. The Cabinet vote next Sunday, which is due to go into effect April 14, is set bump Olmert from acting prime minister to premier, but his authorities will remain the same, Yediot Ahronot reported. Sharon has been comatose since the January stroke.