Israel ? Comatose Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will undergo surgery today to restore part of his skull removed in previous operations after he suffered a debilitating stroke, the hospital treating him said Monday.

The operation is to be conducted in the afternoon, the statement said. Sharon suffered the stroke on Jan. 4 and has not regained consciousness.

Hospital officials said last week that a decision would be made about whether to move Sharon to a long-term care facility. Experts agree that his chances of recovery are extremely slim.

The Yediot Ahronot newspaper reported on Monday that Israel’s Cabinet will declare Sharon “permanently incapacitated” at its next session on Sunday, allowing Olmert to assume the title of prime minister even before he puts together a coalition government.