Olmert Becomes Acting Prime Minister; Refuses to Negotiate with Hamas

After Ariel Sharon slips into a coma after brain surgery, Ehud Olmert becomes the interim leader of Kadima and Acting Prime Minister on January 4 until March elections. His government declares unwillingness to deal with Hamas in negotiations until it unequivocally refutes terrorism. The US, EU, and some Arab states concur in refusing to deal with Hamas until it changes its outlook toward Israel.