Doctors 'cautiously optimistic' on ex-president Peres' prognosis

Former President Shimon Peres remains in serious but stable condition after suffering a massive stroke on Tuesday, officials at the Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer said Thursday.

Peres, 93, is sedated and intubated, but doctors offered a "cautiously optimistic" prognosis for Israel's ninth president, saying tests showed he was responsive.

Professor Yitshak Kreiss, Sheba's director general, said, "While Peres' condition continues to be serious, he is stable, and has even shown some improvement. We believe his neurological condition is slightly better. We are sparing no effort to provide him with the best possible medical care."

Professor Amit Segev, director of the hospital's cardiac care center, said that when the sedation is reduced for tests, Peres is "somewhat responsive, and even tries to remove the intubation. These are normal reflexes, usually demonstrated by people who haven't suffered brain damage. If this continues we will be able to consider reducing sedation and removing the intubation."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Peres on Wednesday. He spoke with the family and was briefed by the former president's doctors.

"I think I speak for the entire public, and for many people abroad, when I say we are slightly relieved," Netanyahu said after learning of the improvement in Peres' condition.

"Speaking for myself and my wife, I can say we are greatly relieved, because the situation tonight is better than it was last night, and God willing, tomorrow night it will be even better. But, as was said before, we're navigating through a minefield. I received the impression that Sheba has an outstanding team caring for this remarkable man. We will all continue to hope and pray for him," Netanyahu said.

President Reuven Rivlin is in constant contact with the family and spoke with Peres' daughter, Tsvia Walden, on Wednesday.

"I'm following reports of his condition closely and I am praying, as I know the public is too, for his speedy recovery. Shimon is a fighter, we all know that, and if it's up to him, he will win. My wife Nechama and I send the family our love," he said.

Health Minister Yakov Litzman also visited the former president, offering the family his support.

Politicians from across the political spectrum issued statements wishing Peres a speedy recovery, while Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi David Lau and Chief Sephardi Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef called for prayers for his wellbeing.

The former president's son, Chemi Peres, praised the medical team and thanks the public for the outpouring of support.

"I think my father, above all else, is a tremendous fighter. He is a man of remarkable abilities, so I remain optimistic," he told Army Radio.

"We have a long way to go, but no one -- especially him -- is even thinking of giving up. He will fight and he will go on fighting. And just as he always taught us: Optimists and pessimists may die the same way, but they lead completely different lives."

Commenting on the medical treatment, he said: "I'm not a doctor or a specialist, but I must say the medical team is handling the decision-making process and consultations exceptionally well. They wake him up periodically to check his progress. And I'm with him at these points, when he's conscious. He responded to what I said, he shook my hand -- I can see an improvement."

Dozens of world leaders have expressed concern for Peres' health, which has been making headlines worldwide.

U.S. President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister Theresa May have contacted the former president's office, as have Russian President Vladimir Putin, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, and former British Premier Tony Blair, to name a few.

U.N. Middle East envoy Nikolay Mladenov said he was praying for the former president's recovery, while former Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird and current Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende tweeted that their thoughts and prayers are with Peres and his family.

All major news networks have been following developments closely, and international news crews have set up camp outside the hospital, offering readers and viewers continuous updates on Peres' condition.

International media coverage has been focusing on Peres' long career as a statesman, his political legacy, and his numerous awards, prominent among them the Nobel Peace Prize following the 1993 Oslo Accords.

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